An alternative catalytic strategy for the preparation of benzylmethacrylate esters, key intermediates in the synthesis of coenzyme Q and derivatives, was reported. This strategy avoided undesirable stoichiometric reduction/oxidation processes by utilizing the catalytic formation of allylarenes and then cross-metathesis to selectively form -benzylmethacrylate esters with good yields (58–64%) and complete -selectivity. The ester intermediates were reduced to common key benzylallylic alcohols (90–92% yield), which were subsequently used in the formal syntheses of coenzyme Q and one derivative.
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