Synthesis 2007(9): 1392-1402  
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-966016
PAPER
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

A Facile Synthesis of Aryl Spirodioxines Based on a 3H,3′H-2,2′-Spiro­bi(benzo[b][1,4]dioxine) Skeleton

Margaret A. Brimble*, Yen-Cheng (William) Liu, Michael Trzoss
Department of Chemistry, University of Auckland, 23 Symonds St., 1142 Auckland, New Zealand
Fax: +64(9)3737422; e-Mail: m.brimble@auckland.ac.nz;
Further Information

Publication History

Received 1 February 2007
Publication Date:
18 April 2007 (online)

Abstract

The synthesis of a series of 6,6-bisbenzannulated spiroketals containing a 3H,3′Η-2,2′-spirobi(benzo[b][1,4]dioxine) ring system is reported. The key step involves addition of a monobenzyl-protected catechol to the epoxide unit of a glycidol bearing a benzyl-protected catechol. The resultant alcohol adduct is oxidized to a ketone that then undergoes hydrogenation and acid-catalyzed cyclization to produce the desired spirodioxines.