A Highly Stereoselective Synthesis of Tetrahydrofurans

Abstract

AbstractThe development of a direct and highly stereoselective synthesis of 2,3,5‐substituted tetrahydrofurans has been accomplished through a combination of batch‐ and microchip‐MS‐experiments. This sequential transformation comprises a Lewis acid‐mediated reaction of bis(silyl) dienediolate 1 and a broad range of aldehydes, furnishing products with three new σ‐bonds and three stereogenic centers in a one‐pot process with typically good yields and excellent stereoselectivity. Key steps which have been elucidated primarily with microchip‐MS‐experiments include a vinylogous aldol reaction and a Prins‐type cyclization. Furthermore, a titanium BINOL complex is a powerful chiral catalyst for this process. The products were further converted into bi‐ and tricylic products by carbonyl–ene reactions, proceeding with excellent yields and diastereoselectivity.