BiBr3-initiated tandem addition/silyl-Prins reactions to 2,6-disubstituted dihydropyrans

A tandem addition/silyl-Prins reaction efficiently affords cis-2,6-disubstituted dihydropyrans (DHPs) using 5 mol % of BiBr3 in CH2Cl2. The reaction occurs between delta-triethyl-silyloxyvinyltrimethylsilanes and a variety of aldehydes to give good to excellent isolated yields of DHPs. The diastereoselectivities in the crude products are significantly affected by aldehyde substitution with electron-rich aldehydes, providing 2-3: 1 (cis: trans) and neutral (or electron-poor) aldehydes affording dr >= 19: 1 (cis: trans).