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Total Synthesis of a Dimeric Thymol Derivative Isolated from Arnica sachalinensis
Irene De Silvestro1, Samuel L Drew2,3, Gary S Nichol1
1EaStCHEM School of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh, Joseph Black Building, David Brewster Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3FJ, UK.
Abstract:
The total synthesis of a dimeric thymol derivative (thymarnicol) isolated from Arnica sachalinensis was accomplished in 6 steps. A key biomimetic Diels-Alder dimerization was found to occur at ambient temperature and the final oxidative cyclization occurs when the substrate is exposed to air and visible light. These results indicate that this natural product is likely the result of spontaneous (non-enzyme-mediated) reactivity.

