Regioselective cleavage of the cyclic ethereal bond of 7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane derivatives mediated by samarium(II) iodide

It was established that exclusively high regioselective CO bond cleavage of 7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane skeletons, which are unique Diels–Alder products of furans, under mild conditions using samarium(II) iodide and samarium powder yields cyclohexanol derivatives or aromatic compounds.