A novel tandem [2 + 2] cycloaddition-Dieckmann condensation with ynolate anions. Efficient synthesis of substituted cycloalkenones and naphthalenes via formal [n + 1] cycloaddition

Article abstract of DOI:10.1021/jo015929w

A novel tandem [2 + 2] cycloaddition-Dieckmann condensation via ynolate anions is described. Ynolate anions are useful for the formation of reactive β-lactone enolates via a pathway not involving the enolization of the corresponding β-lactones. The [2 + 2] cycloaddition of ynolate anions with δ- or σ-keto esters, followed by Dieckmann condensation, gives bicyclic β-lactones, which are easily decarboxylated to produce synthetically useful 2,3-disubstituted cyclopentenones and cyclohexenones in one pot. This tandem reaction was applied to a novel, one-pot synthesis of highly substituted naphthalenes.