N-Heterocyclic Carbene (NHC)-Catalyzed [4+3] Cycloaddition to Synthesize 4-Aminobenzoheptenolactons

A highly efficient N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) catalyzed formal [3+4] cycloaddition reaction of.-chloroenal with iminoquinones has been developed, producing 4-aminobenzoheptenolactone derivatives in good yields. In order to explore the role of nitroheterocyclic carbene in the site selectivity of the reaction, a theoretical study was carried out using density functional theory. The study showed that the deformation force was the main reason for the difference in site selection.

Automated summary

A highly efficient N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) catalyzed formal [3+4] cycloaddition reaction has been developed, producing 4-aminobenzoheptenolactone derivatives in good yields. A theoretical study using density functional theory revealed that the deformation force was the main factor influencing the site selectivity.