Aluminium triflate-mediated reactions of glycals: towards chiral multicyclic products

Ph.D. (Chemistry)The bridged chiral benzopyrans were strategically ring opened via acetolysis to yield either galactose based chromenes or chromans, depending on the reaction conditions. A proposal relating to the mechanism of this selective ring opening acetolysis is discussed. The benzopyrans (chromenes, chromans and bridged chiral benzopyrans) were de-acetylated via triethyl amine catalysed transesterification. Interestingly, the chromenes did not yield the anticipated hydrolysis product (triol) but a new class of bridged chiral benzopyrans which were a result of intramolecular oxa-Michael addition. A chromene that formed during the selective ring opening of the bridged chiral benzopyrans was employed to develop a method for the synthesis of a carbohydrate derived oxepane. The oxepane synthesis was achieved, albeit in the face of numerous challenges from side reactions. The difficulties encountered in the synthesis are discussed..