Catalytic Undirected Intermolecular C–H Functionalization of Arenes with 3-Diazofuran-2,4-dione: Synthesis of 3-Aryl Tetronic Acids, Vulpinic Acid, Pinastric Acid, and Methyl Isoxerocomate

A variety of 3-aryl tetronic acids have been synthesized by an undirected, intermolecular C-H functionalization of arenes with 3-diazofuran-2,4-dione. This methodology featured as a key step in the synthesis of a series of naturally occurring 3-aryl-5-arylidene tetronic acids (pulvinates) from commercially available tetronic acid. Salient features of the pulvinic acid synthesis include a one-step, stereoselective synthesis of the C5 arylidene group and a single step introduction of the C3 aryl substituent.