A short synthesis of γ-hydroxycyclopentemones

Pd(0)-Catalyzed Conjugate Addition of Benzylzinc Chlorides to α,β-Enones in an Atmosphere of Carbon Monoxide: Preparation of 1,4-Diketones

Pd(0)-catalyzed conjugate addition of benzylzinc chloride to methyl vinyl ketone in the presence of chlorotrimethylsilane and lithium chloride in an atmosphere of carbon monoxide at room temperature afforded 1-phenyl-2,5-hexanedione monosilyl enol ether. In this catalytic carbonylation, four components are connected in one reaction. Successive acidic workup generated a variety of 1,4-diketones from substituted benzylzinc chlorides or related compounds and alpha,beta-enones. Some products were converted to cyclopentenones or five-membered heterocyclic compounds containing an N, O, or S atom.