Brønsted base-catalyzed annulation of allyl ketones and alkynyl 1,2-diketones

Abstract

The discovery of new reaction modes mediated by easily available substrates is an important research topic in organic synthesis. Allyl ketones and related compounds have been demonstrated to undergo γ- or α-selective additions to different electrophiles. We disclose here the Brønsted base-catalyzed reaction of allyl ketones and alkynyl 1,2-diketones, which undergo a unique α-selective addition/intramolecular aldol-type annulation/C–C bond cleavage process, and a series of 2-acyloxycyclopent-3-enones can be obtained under very mild conditions.