Organoseleno-Catalyzed Synthesis of α,β-Unsaturated α'-Alkoxy Ketones from Allenes Enabled by Se···O Interactions

Org Lett. 2020 May 15;22(10):3979-3984. doi: 10.1021/acs.orglett.0c01288. Epub 2020 Apr 27.

Abstract

α,β-Unsaturated α'-alkoxy ketones have been prepared under mild conditions from allenes using water as the oxygen source and without the necessity of metals. The organocatalytic oxygenation-rearrangement sequence displays an exquisite chemo-, stereo-, and site-selectivity as well as good functional group compatibility. DFT calculations suggest that stabilizing noncovalent Se···O interactions may be responsible for the observed reactivity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't