AlCl3 catalyzed oxa-Diels-Alder reaction of aromatic aldehydes with simple dienes

A highly regioselective and diastereoselective oxa-Diels-Alder reaction catalyzed by AlCl3 has been developed. This reaction is efficient and characterized by good functional group compatibility, F, Cl, CN, NO2, OMe and thiophenyl groups are tolerated. A Lewis acid catalyzed concerted cycloaddition mechanism is proposed based on the results.

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