Synthesis of Polyunsaturated β-Oxa Fatty Acids via Rhodium Mediated Carbenoid Insertion

Abstract

Polyunsaturated β-oxa fatty acids 1 are readily obtained from naturally derived polyunsaturated fatty alcohols 2 via rhodium(II) acetate-catalysed reaction with tert-butyl diazoacetate 3, followed by ester cleavage.