Silver-catalyzed asymmetric synthesis of 2,3-dihydrobenzofurans: a new chiral synthesis of pterocarpans

Chemistry. 2006 Nov 24;12(34):8762-9. doi: 10.1002/chem.200600332.

Abstract

2,3-Dihydrobenzofurans can be diastereoselectively prepared by condensation of aromatic aldehydes with 2,3-dihydrobenzoxasilepines under the catalysis of Ag(I) complexes, and in the presence of a source of fluoride ion. The application of this strategy by using chiral catalysts leads to a new enantioselective total synthesis of natural cis-pterocarpans and their trans isomers. Through this method, the first enantioselective total synthesis of the antifungal agent (-)-pterocarpin was achieved. In addition, a new entry into the heteroaromatic system of 2,5-dihydrobenzoxepine is also presented.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Benzofurans / chemical synthesis*
  • Catalysis
  • Models, Chemical
  • Pterocarpans / chemical synthesis*
  • Silver / chemistry*
  • Stereoisomerism

Substances

  • Benzofurans
  • Pterocarpans
  • Silver
  • coumaran