Ionic hydrogenation of oxyallyl intermediates: the reductive Nazarov cyclization

Cyclization of tri- and tetrasubstituted dienones 1 under Lewis acidic conditions in the presence of triethylsilane led to formation of either silyl enol ethers 6 or cyclopentanones 7 in good to excellent yields, depending on work-up conditions. The proposed mechanism involves initial Nazarov cyclization to give oxyallyl intermediates 5, which are intercepted via intermolecular transfer of hydride. The reactions proceeded cleanly with as little as 2 equiv. of silane and in most cases catalytic amounts of Lewis acid could be used. Trapping with Et3SiD occurs at the less substituted terminus in unsymmetrical cases. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.