Bronsted Base-Catalyzed Direct 1,6-Conjugate Addition of Butenolide to p-Quinone Methides

Butyrolactones are prevalent structural elements in many natural products. Vinylogous conjugate additions of butenolides are among the most promising synthetic methods for generating natural products and/or natural product-like compounds with potential biological activities. In this report, direct 1,6-conjugate addition of butenolide to p-quinone methides via Bronsted base catalysis was performed, which provides an efficient route to interesting molecules. The reaction proceeds with a regioselective gamma-attack of butenolide and shows good functional group tolerance.

Automated summary

In this report, the efficient synthesis of interesting molecules through direct 1,6-conjugate addition of butenolide to p-quinone methides via Bronsted base catalysis is presented. The reaction exhibits regioselective gamma-attack of butenolide and demonstrates good functional group tolerance.