Axial-Selective Prins Cyclizations by Solvolysis of α-Bromo Ethers

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Abstract
Prins cyclizations are intramolecular electrophilic additions of oxocarbenium ions. They lead to tetrahydropyrans with a heteroatom at the 4-position, and usually show moderate-to-high selectivity for equatorial substitution. We have found that Prins cyclizations carried out under specific conditions produce tetrahydropyrans with almost exclusive formation of the axial 4-substituent. TMSBr, AcBr, and TMSI all lead to axial-selective Prins cyclizations with α-acetoxy ether substrates in the presence lutidine. The mechanism appears to involve solvolysis of the intermediate α-bromo ether rather than specific or Lewis acid-catalyzed rearrangement. The scope of the reaction, the high yields, and the stereoselectivity make this a valuable new method for tetrahydropyran formation.