The first syntheses of two natural products, catechols 1 and 2, isolated from Plectranthus sylvestris (labiatae), are reported. Oxygen-18 labeling studies support the proposed intermediacy of a stabilized benzylic cation in the acid-promoted cyclization of an aldehyde and benzylic homoallylic alcohol possessing an electron-rich aromatic ring. In contrast, with an electron-deficient aromatic ring the pathway via a benzylic cation is only minor. [reaction: see text]
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Crosby et al. (2002) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: