A solvolytic C-C cleavage reaction of 6-acetoxycyclohexa-2,4-dienones: Mechanistic implications for the intradiol catechol dioxygenases
6-Acetoxycyclohexa-2,4-dienones are found to undergo a rapid reaction in methanol/water under mildly basic conditions to give an acyclic ketoester as the major product for 6-phenyl and 6-methyl substrates. Reaction monitoring by UV spectroscopy indicates