Control of up to five stereocenters in a cascade reaction: synthesis of highly functionalized five-membered rings

Abstract

Mukaiyama-Aldol and Prins reactions have been identified as highly efficient methods in C-C bond formation since they were discovered several decades ago. Since both reactions gave the same common intermediate, oxocarbonium, we intend to combine the two reactions into a domino process, which means the formation of multiple C-C bonds and stereogenic centers in one pot without isolation of any intermediates. We envisage that the domino reactions involving the Mukaiyama-Aldol reaction of silyl enol ether and acetal treated with Lewis acid (TiBr4) will produce an oxonium intermediate which upon trapping by an alkene functionality in an intramolecular Prins cyclization will generate the cyclopentyl ring system.