Anodic cyclization of dimethyl 2-(5-aryl-5-oxopentyl)malonates into the corresponding dimethyl 2-aroylcyclopentane-1,1-dicarboxylates.

Abstract: A wide range of dimethyl 2-(5-aryl-5-oxopentyl)malonates was electrooxidized in methanol, in the presence of catalytic amount of potassium iodide, to give the corresponding dimethyl 2-aroylcyclopentane-1,1-dicarboxylates in high yields. The reactions were carried out under extremely mild reaction conditions, in which the optimal amount of electrolytic current ranged from 2.24 to 2.35Fmol−1. The reaction presumably proceeded via a two-electron oxidation process, in which iodide ions played an important role as the electron carrier between the anode and the substrate. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]