Synlett 2013; 24(7): 787-803
DOI: 10.1055/s-0032-1318326
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© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Catalytic Ring Expansion Adventures

Jon T. Njardarson*
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arizona, 1306 E. University Blvd., Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Received: 16 January 2013

Accepted after revision: 06 February 2013

Publication Date:
11 March 2013 (online)


Abstract

This account summarizes the Njardarson group ring expansion journey from early vinyl oxirane explorations to the latest vinyl oxetane ring expansion discoveries. The evolution of the program and incredible success of Cu(hfacac)2 as catalyst is detailed. Application of these new ring expansion reactions to natural product, pharmaceutical and commodity chemical targets is discussed as well as our intriguing mechanistic journey and interesting entry into the world of chiral counterion catalysis.