Fe(III)/Cu(II) mediated 5- and 6-exo oxidative ring expansion/cyclisation of cyclopropyl ethers: studies towards dictyol C and a-eudesmol

The outcome of oxidative ring expansion/cyclisation of cyclopropanes with a mixed Fe(III)/Cu(II) system was found to be dependent on the mode of cyclisation. When 6-exo cyclisation was attempted unusual products resulting from oxidation of ring opened primary radicals were obtained.