# Total synthesis of (±)-simonsol C using dearomatization as key reaction under acidic conditions

## TL;DR

Scientists synthesized a complex natural compound using a new acidic reaction to create a key molecular structure.

## Contribution

A novel acidic dearomatization method was used to build a quaternary center in the synthesis of (±)-simonsol C.

## Key findings

- A 6/5/6 benzofuran unit was formed via reductive elimination and oxy-Michael addition.
- The synthesis was completed in 8 steps with an overall yield of 13%.
- This is the shortest known route to synthesize (±)-simonsol C.

## Abstract

The total synthesis of (±)-simonsol C was accomplished using a dearomatization under acidic conditions as key step to construct an aryl-containing quaternary center. The 6/5/6 benzofuran unit was formed through reductive elimination with Zn/AcOH and a spontaneous oxy-Michael addition. This synthesis consists of 8 steps and achieves an overall yield of 13%, making it the shortest known route.