Copper(I)-Mediated Oxygenation of Diterpenoids; Three Routes to Catechol Derivatives

Abstract

Derivatives of totarol (1) and podocarpic acid (8) have been oxygenated in ring C via their corresponding carbamates, or aryl bromides, to form catechol derivatives. These oxygenations have been accomplished by the use of copper(I), both in stoichiometric and in catalytic quantities.