Synthesis 2000; 2000(9): 1327-1340
DOI: 10.1055/s-2000-6427
feature article
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A New Methodology for Ring Enlargements by the Oxy-Cope Rearrangement: Ready Access to Highly Functionalized Medium-Size Rings

Paultheo von Zezschwitz* , Katharina Voigt, Matthias Noltemeyer, Armin de Meijere
  • *Institut für Organische Chemie der Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, Tammannstrasse 2, D-37077 Göttingen, Germany; Fax + 49(5 51)39 94 75; E-mail: ameijer1@uni-goettingen.de
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
31 December 2000 (online)

Highly functionalized cyclononenones, -decenones and -undecenones 14-19 were prepared via a sequence of twofold Heck reaction on 1,2-dibromocycloalkenes 1-3 to yield (E,Z,E)-1,3,5-hexatrienes 4-6, subsequent epoxidation of the central double bond leading to the formation of epoxides 7-9, reductive ring opening of the epoxides and oxyanion-accelerated Cope rearrangement. The stereochemical outcome of the rearrangements was highly dependent on the ring size and, particularly in the case of the cyclodecenones, on the reaction conditions. Moreover, these transformations proved to be the first examples of reversible anionic oxy-Cope rearrangements. Conversions in the presence of benzyl halides led to formation of benzylated cycloalkenones 28-31 via a domino process of rearrangement and alkylation on an intermediate enolate.