A new approach to macrocyclization via alkene formation in catalytic diazo decomposition. Synthesis of patulolides A and B

[GRAPHICS] Effective synthetic uses of bisdiazocarbonyl compounds for the selective construction of diverse macrocycles, including the synthesis of patulolides A and a, by catalytic carbene dimer formation are reported. Control of stereochemistry and efficient methods for product isomerization or kinetic isomer differentiation have been achieved.