Enantioselective synthesis of cyclobutene compounds with potential pharmacological application.

In the present project, we studied the design of an appropriate strategy for the preparation of cyclobutenes by means of Lewis acid catalysis. In particular the Ficini stepwise [2+2] cycloaddition of ynamides with lactones was taken under consideration as an excellent reaction for the preparation of substituted cyclobutene derivates. The synthesis of a novel cyclobutene derivate has been carried out, with good yield. On the other hand, the synthesis of other derivates, such as a nucleoside analogue, will require further investigation.