Synthesis of novel pyranoquinones using an acyl radical cyclization strategy

The thiol-catalysed cyclization of acyl radicals generated directly from benzaldehyde precursors has been investigated. Hindered β-benzyloxyacrylates cyclize efficiently providing a tin-free radical cyclization approach to the serine/threonine kinase AKT inhibitor frenolicin B, whilst γ-aryloxy crotonates give good yields of benzopyran-4-ones. This method is applied to the synthesis of a novel tetracyclic analogue of the pyranonaphthoquinone antibiotics.