Stereoselective double lewis acid/organo-catalyzed dimerization of donor-acceptor cyclopropanes into substituted 2-oxabicyclo[3.3.0]octanes

J Org Chem. 2012 Jul 20;77(14):5993-6006. doi: 10.1021/jo300720d. Epub 2012 Jul 5.

Abstract

A new approach for the dimerization of donor-acceptor cyclopropanes (2-arylcyclopropane-1,1-dicarboxylates) under double-catalysis conditions by treatment with 20 mol % of GaCl(3) and dimethyl 3,5-dimethyl-1-pyrazoline-3,5-dicarboxylate as a specific organocatalyst has been found. Under these conditions, the starting compounds are regio- and stereospecifically converted into polysubstituted 2-oxabicyclo[3.3.0]octanes. Two new rings, one C-O bond, and two C-C bonds are formed in this process, and four stereocenters are thus created. The reaction mechanism was thoroughly studied by NMR spectroscopy, and a number of intermediates were detected.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Bridged Bicyclo Compounds / chemistry*
  • Catalysis
  • Cyclopropanes / chemistry*
  • Dimerization
  • Lewis Acids / chemistry*
  • Molecular Structure
  • Pyrazoles / chemistry*
  • Stereoisomerism

Substances

  • 3,5-dimethyl-1-pyrazoline-3,5-dicarboxylate
  • Bridged Bicyclo Compounds
  • Cyclopropanes
  • Lewis Acids
  • Pyrazoles