Vinyl Dihydropyrans and Dihydrooxazines: Cyclizations of Catalytic Ruthenium Carbenes Derived from Alkynals and Alkynones

A novel synthesis of 2-vinyldihydropyrans and dihydro-1,4-oxazines (morpholine derivatives) from alkynals and alkynones has been developed. The cyclizations require a mild generation of catalytic ruthenium carbenes from terminal alkynes and (trimethylsilyl) diazomethane followed by trapping with carbonyl nucleophiles. Mechanistic aspects of the new cyclizations are discussed.