Aminocatalyzed Synthesis of Enantioenriched Phenalene Skeletons through a Friedel-Crafts/Cyclization Strategy

J Org Chem. 2018 Jan 19;83(2):1019-1025. doi: 10.1021/acs.joc.7b02629. Epub 2018 Jan 4.

Abstract

A series of enantioenriched phenalene-derived compounds were accessed by a Friedel-Crafts/cyclization strategy. Starting from α,β-unsaturated aldehydes and 2-naphthol derivatives, high levels of enantioselectivity were obtained through iminium-enamine catalysis. The catalytic system composed of a diphenylprolinol silyl ether organocatalyst and triethylamine as a base was applied to a combination of diversely functionalized substrates. The obtained phenalene-derived architectures are promising building blocks for reaching natural products and exhibit fluorescence properties.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't