Synthesis 2007(5): 754-760  
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-965911
PAPER
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

A Facile Synthesis of 1,1′-Spirobi(3H,3′H)isobenzofurans

Margaret A. Brimble*, Caryn V. Burgess
Department of Chemistry, University of Auckland, 23 Symonds St., Auckland 1142, New Zealand
Fax: +64(9)3737422; e-Mail: m.brimble@auckland.ac.nz;
Further Information

Publication History

Received 7 November 2006
Publication Date:
25 January 2007 (online)

Abstract

The synthesis of a series of aryl 5,5-spiroketals containing a 1,1′-spirobi(3H,3′H)isobenzofuran ring system is reported. The key step involves addition of an aryllithium derived from a protected bromobenzyl alcohol to a phthalide; this is followed by deprotection of the benzyl alcohol and acid-catalysed cyclisation.