Merging Johnson–Claisen and Aromatic Claisen [3,3]-Sigmatropic Rearrangements: Ytterbium Triflate/2,6-Di-tert-butylpyridine Catalytic System

Abstract

General synthetic approach toward phenols with a polyfunctional side-chain is described. It is based on two subsequent [3,3]-sigmatropic rearrangements, in particular, Johnson−Claisen and aromatic Claisen. Facilitation of the reaction sequence is achieved by the separation of steps and discovery of the efficient catalysts for aromatic Claisen rearrangement. The best performance was achieved by the combination of rare earth metal triflate with 2,6di-tert-butylpyridine. The reaction scope was established on 16 examples with 17−80% yield (on two steps). Synthetic equivalents for the related Ireland−Claisen and Eschenmoser Claisen/Claisen rearrangements were proposed. Further versality of the products was demonstrated by a number of post-modification transformations.