Synthesis of unsaturated 1,4-heteroatom-containing benzo-fused heterocycles using a sequential isomerization-ring-closing metathesis strategy

A small library of 1,4-benzodioxins and 4H-1,4-benzoxazines was synthesized from the corresponding bis-allyloxy precursors by way of an initial isomerization to the bis-vinyloxy compounds, followed by a ring-closing metathesis using the second generation Grubbs' catalyst (G2). A related strategy, starting from benzene-1,2-dithiol and 2-mercaptophenol, afforded benzodithiin and 1,4-benzoxathiin, respectively.