Catalyst-Free Gas-Phase Synthesis of Pyrones: A Novel Approach Utilizing Acetoacetate Derivatives via Gas Chromatography- Mass Spectrometry

A novel gas-phase synthesis various Pyran molecules, was achieved in a gas chromatography (GC) inlet at 300°C without a catalyst, using various acetoacetate derivatives as precursors. Pyran molecules and their derivatives are valuable precursors in the synthesis of various bioactive compounds, including pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and natural products. Their unique structure and functional groups make them essential building blocks for designing molecules with potential therapeutic applications. This gas-phase, catalyst-free method offers, for the first time, a rapid (less than 10 milliseconds), efficient, and sustainable route to access pyran intermediates. This method uses the GC inlet as a preparatory stage for gas-phase synthesis, coupled with the outstanding capabilities of the mass spectrometer as an analytical tool.