Synthesis, Photochemical Properties, and Cytotoxicities of 2H-Naphtho[1,2-b]pyran and Its Photodimers

J Org Chem. 2015 Jun 5;80(11):5687-95. doi: 10.1021/acs.joc.5b00645. Epub 2015 May 11.

Abstract

A 2H-naphtho[1,2-b]pyran, prepared by dimerization of 2-bromo-3-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone and O-methylation, readily undergoes solid-state [2 + 2] photodimerization to give a photodimer in excellent yield and with excellent selectivity. Retro [2 + 2] cycloaddition can be achieved by irradiation of a solution of the photodimer in chloroform. Interestingly, the 2H-naphtho[1,2-b]pyran dimerizes with a skeletal rearrangement to afford 2,5-dihydro-1-benzoxepin dimers upon irradiation in methanol or via irradiation with hexamethylditin. Furthermore, treatment of the resulting dimers with triethylamine regenerates the 2H-naphtho[1,2-b]pyran monomer. Significant differences in the color, fluorescence, and cytotoxic properties of the monomer and dimers were observed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Dimerization
  • Naphthols / chemical synthesis*
  • Naphthols / chemistry
  • Naphthols / toxicity
  • Naphthoquinones / chemistry*
  • Photochemical Processes
  • Pyrans / chemical synthesis*
  • Pyrans / chemistry
  • Pyrans / toxicity

Substances

  • 2-bromo-3-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone
  • 2H-naphtho(1,2-b)pyran
  • Naphthols
  • Naphthoquinones
  • Pyrans