Annelation of Baylis–Hillman Derivatives: Synthesis of Highly Functionalised Tetrahydronaphthalenes

Efficient α-chlorination of 2-[(1-oxocyclohex-2-en-2-yl)methyl]-1,3-dicarbonyl Compounds Using Sodium Hypochlorite

A rapid and efficient regioselective α-chlorination of a new series of β-dicarbonyl compounds using a commercial solution of sodium hypochlorite in the presence of K2CO3 in THF at 0 °C, is reported. With prolonged reaction times, α-chloro β-keto esters, bearing an acyl moiety, undergo a tandem chlorination–deacylation reaction, affording the corresponding α-chlorinated esters.