Domino Double Michael−Claisen Cyclizations: A Powerful General Tool for Introducing Quaternary Stereocenters at C(4) of Cyclohexane-1,3-diones and Total Synthesis of Diverse Families of Sterically Congested Alkaloids
Reactions of substituted acetone derivatives with acrylic acid esters (>200 mol %) in the presence of t-BuOK (200 mol %) in t-BuOH-THF (1:1 by volume) turned out to proceed as a cascade process consisting of the first Michael addition, the second Michael addition, and the last Claisenreaction to afford 4,4-disubstituted cyclohexane-1,3-diones. Only more substituted enolates play the role of a Michael