An efficient synthesis of 2,5-dihydrobenzoxepine analogues was developed without using
protecting groups. Regioselective allylation was optimized through a recent method
utilizing magnesium dicarboxylates. Grubbs catalysts were applied to investigate ring-closing
metathesis. The scope of the present route was extended to produce four analogues,
which provided novel cannabinoid-like 2,5-dihydrobenzoxepines in sufficient quantities
to permit in vitro assays on recombinant CB1/CB2 receptors. In vitro assays related
to CB1/CB2 receptors did not indicate any activity.
Key words
2,5-dihydrobenzoxepine - radulanin A - benzoxepin cannabinoids - regioselective allylation
- ring-closing metathesis