Conjugate reduction and reductive aldol cyclization of α,β-unsaturated thioesters catalyzed by (BDP)CuH

Org Biomol Chem. 2011 Sep 7;9(17):6143-7. doi: 10.1039/c1ob05352c. Epub 2011 Jul 20.

Abstract

A conjugate reduction of α,β-unsaturated thioesters catalyzed by copper hydride using PMHS as stoichiometric reductant has been developed. 1,2-Bis(diphenylphosphino)benzene (BDP) was the most effective ligand for this reduction. Saturated thioesters could be produced in excellent yields when the substituent on the thiol is not sterically-demanding. This protocol was applied to induce the reductive aldol cyclization of keto-enethioates, which could offer β-hydroxythioesters in moderate to good yields.