Synthesis and C-alkylation of hindered aldehyde enamines

J Org Chem. 2009 Feb 6;74(3):1019-28. doi: 10.1021/jo802016t.

Abstract

A new reactivity mode of hindered lithium amides with terminal epoxides is described whereby aldehyde enamines are produced via a previously unrecognized reaction pathway. Some of these aldehyde enamines display unprecedented C-alkylation reactivity toward unactivated primary and secondary alkyl halides. For comparison, the reactivity of aldehyde enamines synthesized via a traditional condensation method was examined. C- rather than N-alkylation was the dominant reaction pathway found with a range of electrophiles, making this route to alpha-alkylated aldehydes more synthetically useful than previously reported.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aldehydes / chemical synthesis*
  • Aldehydes / chemistry
  • Alkylation
  • Amides / chemistry
  • Epoxy Compounds / chemistry
  • Lithium / chemistry
  • Organometallic Compounds / chemistry

Substances

  • Aldehydes
  • Amides
  • Epoxy Compounds
  • Organometallic Compounds
  • Lithium