Intramolecular Pinner reaction

The first stereoselective total synthesis of AI-77B, a gastroprotective substance, was accomplished by Y. Hamada and co-workers. In the final stages of the synthetic effort, the intramolecular Pinner reaction was utilized to convert the cyano group into the corresponding carboxylic acid. The nitrile substrate was dissolved in 5% HCI in methanol, and excess trimethyl orthoformate was added at 5 °C and the reaction mixture was stirred at this temperature for almost two days. Next, the cyclic imino ether hydrochloride salt was treated with water at room temperature followed by basic hydrolysis. Finally, the pH was adjusted with HCI to obtain the natural product. 

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