Photocatalytic [4+2] cyclization of biomass furan into a cantharidin-like skeleton

Abstract

A novel photocatalytic [4+2] cyclization strategy was developed for the transformation of biomass furan into a unique and cage-like oxabicyclo[2.2.1]heptene molecular skeleton. This strategy also enabled a significant and efficient cyclization of furan with acrylate. It provides access to the common core shared by a range of biologically active natural products and medicines, such as cantharidin, palasonin, and OBHSA.