Stereoselective [2 + 2] photodimerization: a viable strategy for the synthesis of enantiopure cyclobutane derivatives

Org Biomol Chem. 2023 Apr 5;21(14):2899-2904. doi: 10.1039/d3ob00232b.

Abstract

The [2 + 2] photodimerization of cinnamic acid derivatives to afford enantiopure cyclobutanes has been investigated. The use of a chiral auxiliary represents a convenient and straightforward method to exert enantiocontrol on the reaction. By exploiting Evans oxazolidinones, the stereoselective light-driven cyclisation affords a functionalised cyclobutane ring with up to 99% enantiocontrol after removing the chiral auxiliary. In-flow experiments allowed us to improve further the efficiency of the methodology, leading to high conversion and excellent enantioselectivity.