Double asymmetric induction in 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of five-membered cyclic nitrones to 2-(5H)-furanones

The 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of nitrones 1-4 and their enantiomers 2ent-4ent to α,β-unsaturated γ-lactones, such as achiral 9 and d-glycero10 provides an interesting example of a double asymmetric induction. The reactions are kinetically controlled. Upon heating and prolonged reaction time, however, the reversibility of the cycloaddition was observed and the presence of more stable thermodynamic products detected. Moreover, in the case of lactone 10, a partial racemization did occur and consequently adducts derived from 10ent were formed. Contrary to the corresponding additions involving δ-lactones, where only the exo approach of the reactants was observed, γ-lactones added nitrones in both exo and endo modes. The high preference of an anti addition to the terminal hydroxymethyl group in lactone 10 and to the 3-tert-butoxy group of the nitrone was observed; the 4-tert-butoxy substituent plays a secondary role. The endo addition of the reactants is energetically more demanding than the exo addition and occurs if none of the substituents present in the lactone or nitrone hinders such an approach. Due to the complex steric interactions a single product was formed in two cases only, 2ent/10 and 3/10. In one case, 3/9, a high preponderance of a single adduct was observed.