Oxidative intramolecularcyclization reactions of cinnamyl ethers mediated by cerium(IV) ammonium nitrate (CAN): a stereoselective synthesis of 3,4-trans-disubstituted tetrahydrofuran derivatives

Various alkoxy-cinnamyl cinnamyl ethers and an alkoxy-cinnamyl prenyl ether underwent stereoselective oxidative cyclizations on treatment with a methanolic solution of cerium(IV) ammonium nitrate to afford 3,4-trans- disubstituted tetrahydrofuran derivatives. Different products were obtained under aerobic and anaerobic conditions.