Highly selective AlCl3 initiated intramolecular α-alkylation of α,β-unsaturated lactams and lactones

Abstract

An unprecedented example of AlCl₃ initiated intramolecular α-alkylation of α,β-unsaturated lactams and lactones is reported. A variety of substrates containing an intramolecular diene yield exclusively regioselective six-membered ring products. This reaction protocol generates a new stereo centre which may be of high interest for the functionalization of bioactive coumarin and quinolinone derivatives.