Tetrahydrobenzoxepines are seven-membered heterocyclic rings that are found in a variety of natural products and biologically active substances such as Forbaglin, a potent anticancer agent derivative. This project targets the synthesis of tetrahydrobenzoxepines from donor acceptor nitrocyclopropanes and salicylaldehyde derivatives. The starting material nitrocyclopropane is synthesized from nitroacetate and styrene followed by the synthesis of tetrahydrobenzoxepines. This one-step method should lead to rapid generation of complex products that can be further modified. Thus far, the 1H NMR showed that there is formation of a possible cyclic intermediate. We will analyze this intermediate product and attempt to increase selectivity for the desired product by screening bases, solvents and catalysts.
