Changing regioselectivity patterns in metal hydride reductions of unsymmetrically substituted cyclic anhydrides

Abstract

A study of L- and K-selectride reductions of unsymmetrical cyclic anhydrides attached to six-membered rings and to bridged six-membered systems sheds a new light on the effect of the conformation of the substrate molecule on the regioselectivity of metal hydride reductions. Thus, in addition to intrinsic reactivity of the carbonyl group, the antiperiplanar effect, and steric congestion, the conformation of the parent molecule should be considered in predicting regioselectivity of nucleophilic additions to cyclic anhydrides.