Pyrrole-singlet oxygen reactions leading to α,α'-bipyrroles. Synthesis of prodigiosin and analogs

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0040-4039(99)01538-5

Reaction of the tert-butyl ester of 3-methoxy-2-pyrrolecarboxylic acid with singlet oxygen yields a hydroperoxide intermediate which undergoes coupling with pyrroles to yield precursors of prodigiosin and ring A analogs, readily convertible to the corresponding tripyrromethenes.