Phosphorylated cyclopropanes in the synthesis of α-alkylidene-γ-butyrolactones: total synthesis of (±)-savinin, (±)-gadain and (±)-peperomin E?

Organic & Biomolecular Chemistry Pub Date: 2016-08-23 DOI: 10.1039/C6OB01527A

Abstract

Phosphorylated cyclopropanes, generated via the Rh(II)-catalysed intramolecular cyclopropanation of α-(diethoxyphosphoryl)acetates, have been found to be useful precursors in the synthesis of α-alkylidene-γ-butyrolactones. These cyclopropyl intermediates undergo regioselective reductive ring-opening and subsequent Horner–Wadsworth–Emmons olefination to complete the synthesis. Total syntheses of (±)-savinin and (±)-gadain, as well as the first total synthesis of (±)-peperomin E, are all described using this method.

Graphical abstract: Phosphorylated cyclopropanes in the synthesis of α-alkylidene-γ-butyrolactones: total synthesis of (±)-savinin, (±)-gadain and (±)-peperomin E
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