Synthesis 2015; 47(02): 141-158
DOI: 10.1055/s-0034-1379498
review
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Mechanism and Application of Baker–Venkataraman O→C Acyl Migration Reactions

Dana Ameen
School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Maudland Building, Preston, Lancashire, PR1 2HE, UK   Email: tjsnape@uclan.ac.uk
,
Timothy J. Snape*
School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Maudland Building, Preston, Lancashire, PR1 2HE, UK   Email: tjsnape@uclan.ac.uk
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Received: 04 July 2014

Accepted after revision: 20 August 2014

Publication Date:
02 December 2014 (online)


Abstract

This literature review focuses on the O→C acyl migration of aryl esters to yield the corresponding 1,3-dicarbonyl products—a reaction known as the Baker–Venkataraman rearrangement—and outlines their subsequent transformations. The purpose of the review is to highlight the utility of the rearrangement which provides a key step in the synthesis of various heterocyclic motifs. The scope of the Baker–Venkataraman­ rearrangement is illustrated by way of numerous examples of its application, and in doing so, the review contains over 100 references and covers just over 100 years of the literature, from the first report of the rearrangement by Auwers in 1910 up to more recent examples in the past few years.

1 Introduction

2 Historical Perspective

3 Mechanism

4 Applications: General Routes to Heterocycles

4.1 Flavones and Flavanones

4.2 Xanthones

4.3 Chromones

4.4 Coumarins

4.5 Anthrapyran and Anthracyclin Antibiotics

4.6 Benzopyrans

5 The Retro-Baker–Venkataraman Rearrangement

6 Summary and Outlook