Synthesis of 6,12-disubstituted methanodibenzo[b,f ][1,5]dioxocins: Pyrrolidine catalyzed self-condensation of 2′-Hydroxyacetophenones

Abstract

<p>The preparation of unprecedented 6,12-disubstituted methanodibenzo[b,f ][1,5]dioxocins from pyrrolidine catalyzed self-condensation of 2′-hydroxyacetophenones is herein described. This method provides easy access to this highly bridged complex core, resulting in construction of two C-O and two C-C bonds, a methylene bridge and two quaternary centers in a single step. The intricate methanodibenzo[b,f ][1,5]dioxocin compounds were obtained in up to moderate yields after optimization of the reaction conditions concerning solvent, reaction times and the use of additives. Several halide substituted methanodibenzo[b,f ][1,5]dioxocins could be prepared from correspondent 2′-hydroxyacetophenones.</p>