Synthesis of 2-phenyl-2-cycloalkenones via palladium-catalyzed tandem epoxide isomerization-intramolecular aldol condensation

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0040-4039(98)00513-9

We have extended the scope of our palladium-catalyzed tandem epoxide isomerization/aldol condensation reaction to encompass intramolecular condensations, which provide facile access to conjugated cycloalkenones from epoxy aldehydes or diepoxides. For example, reaction of 5,6-epoxy-6- phenylhexanal with Pd(OAc)₂-PBu₃ catalyst in the presence of NaHCO₃ and 3A molecular sieves forms 2-phenyl-2-cyclopentenone (80%). Similarly, 1,2;5,6-diepoxy-1-phenylhexane affords 3-methyl-2-phenyl-2-cyclopentenone (72%). The observation of dicarbonyl intermediates (e.g., 1-phenyl-2,5- hexanedione in the latter case) demonstrates that the reaction proceeds via Pd-catalyzed isomerization of the diepoxide to the diketone, followed by base-catalyzed aldol condensation.