Ring Expansion of Cyclic 12-Diols to form Medium Sized Rings via Ruthenium Catalyzed Transfer Hydrogenative 4+2 Cycloaddition

摘要

A new method for the ring expansion of cyclic diols is described. Using improved conditions for the ruthenium(0) catalyzed cycloaddition of cyclic 1,2-diols with 1,3-dienes, fused [n.4.0] bicycles 3a–3r (n = 3–6) are formed, which upon exposure to iodosobenzene diacetate engage in oxidative cleavage to form the 9–12 membered rings 4a–4r.