Microwave-mediated intramolecular Diels–Alder cyclization of biodihydroxylated benzoic acid derivatives

The synthetic utility of biodihydroxylated benzoic acid derivatives for the construction of bridge bicyclo scaffolds was investigated. Biodihydroxylation of benzoic acid using Ralstonia eutropha B9 gave (1S,2R)-1,2-dihydroxycyclohexa-3,5-diene-1-carboxylic acid (DCD) in high optical purity (>95% ee). Protection of the intermediate and subsequent functional group transformation gave the required cyclization precursors in moderate to excellent overall yields. Subsequent intramolecular Diels–Alder cyclization of biodihydroxylated benzoic acid derivatives was carried out using either thermal or microwave conditions. Enantiomerically pure products with five chiral centers were obtained in 4–6 steps from achiral starting material.