Graphene-Oxide Mediated Chemodivergent Ring-Opening of Cyclobutanols

The chemodivergent ring-opening of cyclobutanols is described under the carbocatalytic assistance of graphene oxide (GO). The protocol enables the synthesis of diversely functionalized dienes or indenes (26 examples) based on the amount of GO employed. Spectroscopic (XPS and ssNMR) as well as experimental investigations revealed a direct involvement of the p-domains of GO in tuning the stability of carbocationic intermediates during the reaction.

Automated summary

The chemodivergent ring-opening of cyclobutanols is facilitated by graphene oxide (GO) as a carbocatalyst. The amount of GO used in the reaction determines the synthesis of diverse functionalized dienes or indenes (26 examples). Spectroscopic (XPS and ssNMR) and experimental investigations reveal the direct involvement of GO's p-domains in regulating the stability of carbocationic intermediates during the reaction.