Regio- and stereoselective monoepoxidation of dienes using methyltrioxorhenium: synthesis of allylic epoxides

J Org Chem. 2014 Nov 7;79(21):10323-33. doi: 10.1021/jo501958d. Epub 2014 Oct 27.

Abstract

Methyltrioxorhenium (MTO) complexed with pyridine was shown to be a highly effective catalyst for the regioselective monoepoxidation of conjugated di- and trienes using 30% H2O2 at or below room temperature. The resultant allylic epoxides, and the triols derived from them, are versatile synthetic intermediates as well as substructures present in many bioactive natural products. The site of epoxidation was dependent upon olefin substitution, olefin geometry (Z vs E), and the presence of electron-withdrawing substituents on adjacent carbons. For 1-acyl(silyl)oxypenta-2,4-dienes, epoxidation of the distal olefin was generally favored in contrast to the adjacent regioselectivity characteristic of Sharpless, peracid, and other directed epoxidations of hydroxylated dienes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alkenes / chemistry*
  • Catalysis
  • Epoxy Compounds / chemical synthesis*
  • Epoxy Compounds / chemistry
  • Hydrogen Peroxide / chemistry*
  • Molecular Structure
  • Organometallic Compounds / chemistry*
  • Stereoisomerism

Substances

  • Alkenes
  • Epoxy Compounds
  • Organometallic Compounds
  • methyltrioxorhenium VII
  • Hydrogen Peroxide