A new stereoselective route to endo, exo-2, 6-diarylfurofuranones has been developed using Mn (III)-mediated intramolecular cyclopropanation and CH insertion reactions as key CC bond-forming steps. Mn (III)-mediated oxidative cyclization of acetoacetate derivative 11 afforded 1-acetyl-4-aryl-3-oxabicyclo [3.1. 0] hexan-2-one (12) with excellent diastereocontrol (dr 22: 1). Subsequent Lewis acid-catalyzed opening of the activated ...
