Mini-Reviews in Medicinal Chemistry 2013-05-01

Catalytic asymmetric synthesis of γ-butenolides by direct vinylogous reactions.

Lin Yan, Xiaohong Wu, Hongjun Liu, Liangying Xie, Zhiyong Jiang

Index: Mini Rev. Med. Chem. 13(6) , 845-53, (2013)

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Abstract

The γ-butenolide structural motif is a prominent feature in many bioactive natural products and drugs. This short review summarizes catalytic asymmetric synthesis of γ-butenolides through direct vinylogous reactions by metal complexes and organocatalysts. In light of building chiral γ-tertiary and quaternary carbon centers of butenolides, three synthetic strategies are included: 1) the reactions with furanone derivatives as nucleophiles, 2) olefination of γ,γ- disubstituted butenolides and 3) the reactions by using γ,γ-disubstituted butenolides as nucleophiles.