An approach for the enantioselective synthesis of biologically active furanones from a Morita–Baylis–Hillman adduct

Herein, we disclose an approach for the asymmetric synthesis of both enantiomers of an anti-inflammatory furanone. The approach is based on the utilization of a Morita–Baylis–Hillman adduct as starting material and has as key step a selective epoxide-opening/benzylic oxidation mediated by Palladium (II). This sequence afforded an advanced intermediate, which was used to accomplish the total synthesis. Experimental evidences allowed us to suggest a mechanistic proposal for the oxidation Palladium(II)-mediated.