2‐Pyrone – A Privileged Heterocycle and Widespread Motif in Nature
Daniel Dobler, Michael Leitner, Natalija Moor, Oliver Reiser
Abstract
Abstract The 2‐pyrone moiety can be found in a large number of natural products with a wide range of biological activities, including antibiotic, antifungal, cytotoxic, neurotoxic, phytotoxic, anti‐inflammatory and cardiotonic effects. With its heterocyclic structure encompassing the chemical nature of conjugated dienes, lactones, Michael acceptors and arenes, it can undergo a great variety of transformations such as cycloadditions, ring‐opening reactions, cross‐couplings and lactamizations. Thus, 2‐pyrones represent valuable synthetic precursors and worthwhile targets in organic, polymer, and medical chemistry. Owing to its exquisite chemical and physical properties, the synthesis and further transformations of 2‐pyrones have attracted considerable attention over the past decade, showcasing transition metal and metal free strategies and using readily available starting materials, notably those stemming from renewable resources.