Polyfunctional Carbon 5-Membered Ring Building Blocks

The polyfunctional cyclopentenones (1, (R)-1, (S)-1) have the potential to be key building blocks in the synthesis of natural products (notably prostiglandins), pharmaceuticals, flavors, etc.¹⁾ For example, Kasai et al. used (R)-1 as a starting material in one pot to facilitate the synthesis of the key intermediate 2 in the total synthesis of prostaglandin E₁ (PGE₁), a useful therapeutic drug for the treatment of chronic arterial occlusion.²⁾ This route allowed for a much shorter synthesis compared to previous PGE synthesis methods.³⁾ It is anticipated that products will be applied to total synthesis and the production of valuable compounds which bearing a chiral cyclopentanone core.