Interrupted Polymerization of Acrylates: Sequential Michael-Michael-Dieckmann Cyclizations for Easy, One-Pot, 2 + 2 + 2 Construction of Polyfunctionalized Cyclohexanones
In THF at -78 deg C, lithio enolates of several different acyclic and cyclic carboxylate esters react cleanly with 2 equiv of an acrylate ester via a Michael-Michael-Dieckmann cyclization sequence to form polyfunctionalized cyclohexanones in 45-72percent overall yields; this process represents useful, controlled interruptions of polymerization reactions.