Total Synthesis of Unsymmetrical Benzils, Scandione and Calophione A

Abstract

Abstract The synthesis of the title unsymmetrical benzils, scandione and calophione A, is described. The key processes involve intramolecular cyclization reaction of the carbanion at the benzylic position of the arylbenzyl ether to the adjacent ester group followed by oxidation. The palladium(II)‐catalyzed oxidative cyclization was also used to establish the benzofuran unit of calophione A.