10.1021/ol300316a
The research explores the use of oxazolidinones as promoters in the Nazarov cyclization reaction, enabling the cyclization of typically resistant substrates under mild conditions. The study highlights the excellent regio- and torquoselective control exerted by oxazolidinones in both conventional and "interrupted" Nazarov reactions, leading to the formation of cyclopentanoid structures such as cyclopentenones and indenones. Key chemicals involved in the research include oxazolidinone-substituted Nazarov substrates synthesized from ynamides through various palladium-mediated coupling techniques, such as reductive coupling with acid chlorides and carbonylative couplings. The cyclization reactions were facilitated by methanesulfonic acid (MeSO3H) or triflic acid (TfOH) in nonpolar solvents like dichloromethane or toluene. The oxazolidinone auxiliary was later cleaved using lithium naphthalenide (LiNp) or SmI2, yielding the desired products with good yield and enantiomeric excess.