Mn(III)-induced molecular oxygen trapping reaction of alkenes with 2,3-pyrrolidinedione derivatives. A novel entry to 1-hydroxy-8-aza-2,3-dioxabicyclo[4.3.0]nonan-9-ones

Molecular oxygen trapping reaction of alkenes with 2,3-pyrrolidinedione derivatives was developed using a Mn(III)-induced oxidation system. Alkenes and 2,3-pyrrolidinediones were treated with manganese(III) acetate in acetic acid under a stream of dry air, giving 1-hydroxy-8-aza-2,3-dioxabicyclo[4.3.0]nonan-9-ones in good yields. The reaction involved molecular oxygen trapping of radicals which were formed by the addition of pyrrolidinedione radicals induced by Mn(III) to alkenes. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.