Electro-redox strategy for synthesis of dehydroaltenusin analogs through alkoxy-oxylactonizative phenol dearomatization

This study reveals a strategy of electrochemical alkoxy-oxylactonization and dearomatization under metal- and external oxidant-free conditions to synthesize dehydroaltenusin analogs bearing both polycyclic cyclohexadienone and benzopyrolactone moieties. This methodology achieves phenolic radical-mediated self-dearomatization promoted by electricity at anode in an undivided cell, having good functional group tolerance, and more eco-friendliness. The obtained products are dehydroaltenusin analogs which possess potentially pharmacological activities.