Enantioselective synthesis of functionalized 2-oxo-cyclohexane carbonitriles. Access to a trioxane analogue of artemisinin

An asymmetric synthesis of 1,2,4-trioxane anticancer agents via desymmetrization of peroxyquinols through a Brønsted acid catalysis cascade

The desymmetrization of p-peroxyquinols using a Brønsted acid-catalyzed acetalization/oxa-Michael cascade was achieved in high yields and selectivities for a variety of aliphatic and aryl aldehydes. Mechanistic studies suggest that the reaction proceeds through a dynamic kinetic resolution of the peroxy hemiacetal intermediate. The resulting 1,2,4-trioxane products were derivatized and show potent cancer cell-growth inhibition.

Preparation of Ketones from Nitriles and Phosphoranes

The preparation of a ketone from a phosphorane and a nitrile is described. The workup conditions are mild, and the yields are high. The unreacted starting materials can easily be recovered.