Neighboring group participation in Lewis acid-promoted [3 + 4] and [3 + 5] annulations. The synthesis of oxabicyclo[3.n.1]alkan-3-ones

Article abstract of DOI:10.1021/ja00056a002

Lewis acids are employed as catalysts in the annulation of 1,4- and 1,5-dicarbonyl dielectrophiles with bis(trimethylsilyl) end ethers of β-diketones and β-keto esters. A variety of 2-(alkoxycarbonyl)-m-oxabicyclo[3.n.1]alkan-3-ones can be constructed by this process in which two new carbon-carbon bonds are generated. Unusually high regiocontrol is observed, and good to excellent stereochemical control can be achieved at virtually every position on the new carbocycles. Intramolecular neighboring group participation is proposed to explain the unusually high selectivities attained in the annulation reaction.