A convenient synthetic entry into aldehydes with extended conjugation

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0040-4020(97)00047-1

Variable-length donor-acceptor polyenes 1-18 were synthesized. In the key step, a polyenal was appended to an aromatic donor through nucleophilic attack of an organolithium reagent on a vinylogous amide. Yields of aldehydes and dialdehydes in the one-pot process ranged from 12-64% and depended upon number of repeat units (n=1-3) in the polyene chain.