Formation of 1,2-dioxolanes using Mn(III)-based reaction of various arylacetylenes with 2,4-pentanedione and related reaction

The manganese(III)-based aerobic oxidation of arylacetylenes with 2,4-pentanedione at ambient temperature unexpectedly gave the 1,2-dioxolane derivatives in moderate yields together with a small amount of the oxiranes. The 1,2-dioxolanes underwent silica gel-assisted contraction to quantitatively give the oxiranes. The reaction pathway for the formation of the 1,2-dioxolanes and the by-product was discussed.