A base-catalyzed multicomponent cascade reaction between α-substituted
acroleins, nitroalkanes, and paraformaldehyde that proceeded smoothly
to give high yields of functionalized δ-lactols under mild
conditions, is described. This methodology is useful in the development
of a concise synthetic route to natural products (±)-manzacidin
A and C.
multicomponent reaction - α-substituted acroleins - 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene - δ-lactols