Dearomatization of naphthalene: novel stereoselective cyclization reactions promoted by Osmium(II)
A series of Michael acceptors has been combined with the Os(II) eta(2)-naphthalene complex (1) to form stable 1H-naphthalenium species. Under acidic conditions, these complexes undergo ring closure at C2 to form the phenanthrenone core. In contrast, the corresponding 1-methylnaphthalene complex (15) upon addition of MVK at C8 undergoes ring closure at C5 to form a bridged tricyclic complex (18). Michael addition of MVK to the naphthalene complex (1) followed by deprotonation, an inter-ring linkage isomerization, and ring closure forms a 9-methylphenalene complex (21). In all cases, the organic cyclization products may be decomplexed by heating with silver triflate and isolated in moderate yield.
Winemiller
MD
Department of Chemistry, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22901, USA.
Harman
WD