Wacker Oxidation with 2,5-diallyl PCUD Derivatives

Abstract

We report a simple synthetic approach to functionalized polycyclic cage compounds related to Cookson’s dione derivative by utilizing Claisen rearrangement, Diels−Alder reaction (DA), [2+2] photocycloaddition, Luche reduction, dehydration, and Wacker oxidation as key steps. Access to such hybrid molecules containing heterocycles and caged systems provides new opportunities in medicinal chemistry and access to high energy density materials (HEDMs). We successfully functionalized 2,5-diallyl cage compounds containing diallyl moiety into methyl ketones by Wacker oxidation.