The reaction of photochemically generated α-hydroxyalkyl radicals with alkynes: a synthetic route to γ-butenolides

Niall W.A. Geraghty, Elaine M. Hernon

Research output: Contribution to a Journal (Peer & Non Peer)Articlepeer-review

15 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The photomediated generation of α-hydroxyalkyl radicals from simple acyclic and cyclic alcohols, and acyclic diols, and their subsequent carbon-carbon bond forming reaction with propiolate esters and acetylenedicarboxylates, gives a mixture of a β-(hydroxyalkyl)enoate, the result of a formal cis addition, and the unsaturated lactone (γ-butenolide) resulting from the spontaneous cyclization of the corresponding trans addition product. Treatment of the cis adduct with NBS converts it to the same lactone, and so the method overall constitutes a particularly direct route to this important structural unit. Cyclic alcohols give rise to spiro-γ-butenolides. The use of supported photomediators simplifies product isolation and allows for the recovery and reuse of the photomediator.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)570-573
Number of pages4
JournalTetrahedron Letters
Volume50
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 4 Feb 2009

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