Synthesis and reaction chemistry of the novel prochiral compound 1,5-diphenylanthracene

ORGN 466

Thomas G. Gardner, Melissa L. Betof, and Danielle Falcone. Department of Chemistry, Muhlenberg College, 2400 Chew St, Allentown, PA 18104
The novel prochiral aromatic compound 1,5-diphenylanthracene has been synthesized from 1,5-dichloroanthraquinone. Its Diels-Alder reactions with dienophiles such as dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate, dimenthyl acetylenedicarboxylate, and fumaronitrile will be discussed. The title compound serves as a new precursor to various chiral ligands and auxiliaries.