A Concise Route to α′‐Methoxy‐γ‐pyrones and Verticipyrone Based Upon the Desymmetrization of α,α′‐Dimethoxy‐γ‐pyrone

Abstract

Two steps is the rule : A concise synthesis of versatile α′‐methoxy‐γ‐pyrones (see scheme) is described that uses an innovative desymmetrization of α,α′‐dimethoxy‐γ‐pyrone, relying upon conjugate addition of nucleophiles. This new strategy is applied to the preparation of α‐methyl‐ and α‐carboxaldehyde‐α′‐methoxy‐γ‐pyrones and to a short synthesis of verticipyrone.