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Updated: Apr 10, 2026

Isolating Free Carbenes, their Mixed Dimers and Organic Radicals
Published on: April 19, 2019
Asymmetric Synthesis of Benzofuranones with a C3 Quaternary Center via an Addition/Cyclization Cascade Using
Ujjwal Maji1, Supriyo Das1, Arpita Baidya1
1School of Chemical Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, 2A & 2B Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Jadavpur, Kolkata 700032, India.
Abstract:
An asymmetric addition/cyclization cascade of amidoesters and iminoquinones is developed using noncovalent N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) catalysis. The process enables access to various functionalized benzofuranones with an all-carbon quaternary stereocenter with high yields and ee values. The reaction displays a broad substrate scope. Via product modifications, enantioenriched synthesis of biologically relevant spirocyclic lactones and lactams is achieved. Substrate activation via noncovalent interaction with NHC is suggested for the process.
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