Conjugate propargylation of α,β-unsaturated lactones:: a solution via 1,4-addition of (Z)-2-ethoxyvinyl anion

Conjugate addition of (Z)-2-ethoxyvinyl anion to alpha,beta -unsaturated lactones is best effected via Noyori-type organocopper reagents. The resulting adducts may be advanced to beta -propargyllactones or utilized in the preparation of functionalized pyridines. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.