In this work, we report a novel and simple one-pot synthesis of substituted dibenzo[b,f]oxepines under transition-metal-free conditions. This cascade process involves nucleophilic aromatic substitution followed by Knoevanagel condensation, as evidenced by the isolated reaction intermediates. We have also achieved the synthesis of anticancer bauhinoxepin C in 7 steps with 5.1% overall yield using this synthetic approach.
Date:
2021-01-15
Relation:
Journal of Organic Chemistry. 2021 Jan 15;86(2):1955-1963.