The development of a new catalytic process: Bu3SnH-catalyzed reductive cyclization of enals and enones

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0040-4020(99)00446-9

By sequencing two known reactions, a new catalytic carbon-carbon bond- forming process, the Bu₃SnH-catalyzed, PhSiH₃-mediated reductive cyclization of enals and enones, has been developed. The addition of EtOH to the reactions leads to reproducibly good yields of the cyclized products; a rationale for including this additive is provided.