Opening New Chemical Space Through Novel Dearomatization Reactions

The attachment of a tungsten complex to various aromatic molecules across two carbons localizes the remaining p system in the molecules and renders them highly activated toward electrophilic reagents. As a result, new bonds are formed between the electrophile and the aromatic scaffold, giving rise to stereogenic centers with predictable configurations. Treatment of the resulting adducts with various oxidants frees the organic product from the tungsten fragment. This approach permits the synthesis of a number of small molecules that are difficult to prepare by conventional methods.