Synthesis of functionalised β-lactones via silylcarbocyclisation/desilylation reactions of propargyl alcohols

Ligand-Controlled Palladium-Catalyzed Carbonylation of Alkynols: Highly Selective Synthesis of α-Methylene-β-Lactones

The first general and regioselective Pd-catalyzed cyclocarbonylation to give α-methylene-β-lactones is reported. Key to the success for this process is the use of a specific sterically demanding phosphine ligand based on N-arylated imidazole (L11) in the presence of Pd(MeCN)2 Cl2 as pre-catalyst. A variety of easily available alkynols provide under additive-free conditions the corresponding α-methylene-β-lactones in moderate to good yields with excellent regio- and diastereoselectivity. The applicability of this novel methodology is showcased by the direct carbonylation of biologically active molecules including natural products.

From Alkynes to Heterocycles through Metal-Promoted Silylformylation and Silylcarbocyclization Reactions

Oxygen and nitrogen heterocyclic systems are present in a large number of natural and synthetic compounds. In particular, oxa- and aza-silacyclane, tetrahydrofuran, benzofuran, cycloheptadifuranone, cycloheptadipyrrolone, pyrrolidine, lactone, lactam, phthalan, isochromanone, tetrahydroisoquinolinone, benzoindolizidinone, indoline and indolizidine scaffolds are present in many classes of biologically active molecules. Most of these contain a C=O moiety which can be easily introduced using carbonylative reaction conditions. In this field, intramolecular silylformylation and silylcarbocyclization reactions may afford heterocyclic compounds containing a carbonyl functional group together with a vinylsilane moiety which can be further transformed. Considering these two aspects, in this review a detailed analysis of the literature data regarding the application of silylformylation and silylcarbocyclization reactions to the synthesis of several heterocyclic derivatives is reported.