Synthesis of 6-substituted salicylates via biomimetic aromatization utilizing the cross metathesis of a vinyl dioxinone with homoallylic alcohols

Abstract

We herein report biomimetic syntheses of 6-substituted salicylates from the cross metathesis of 2,2-dimethyl-6-vinyl-1,3-dioxin-4-one with homoallylic alcohols, oxidation, and aromatization of the intermediate enone–dioxinones. Of particular note is the use of the catalyst 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane in the microwave thermolytic ketene generation and trapping, cyclization, and dehydration reaction sequence.