Cover Feature: Asymmetric Synthesis of Trifluoromethylated ent‐Fragransin C₁ (Eur. J. Org. Chem. 12/2019)

Abstract

The Cover Feature shows the structures of fluorinated furan lignan, namely trifluoromethylated ent‐fragransin C1 and chiral 1,4‐diarylbutanetriol, which is a key intermediate. Using an acid catalyst, chiral trifluoromethylated 1,4‐diarylbutanetriol undergoes chemoselective generation of the benzylic carbocation followed by stereoselective cyclization to provide the furan product with high stereo‐selectivity. The fireworks illustrate the reaction processes and celebrate the accomplishment of the work using “Loi Kratong” festival, one of the famous Thai traditions held in full‐moon night of November, as a background. More information can be found in the Full Paper by D. Soorukram et al.