The intramolecular Diels-Alder reaction of styrenes has previously suffered from poor yields, harsh reaction conditions, and limited scope. Herein we report that by subjecting appropriately functionalized styrene substrates to thermal conditions, aromatic compounds are produced in quantitative or near quantitative yields in a matter of minutes rather than hours or days without the need for purification. In addition, diverse aromatic substrates containing various electron-withdrawing substituents, such as ketones, esters, or sulfones were prepared under these conditions.

Thermal intramolecular Diels-Alder reactions of styrenes to access functionalized aromatic substrates

244th National Meeting (2012)

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