Synthesis of mono- and 1,4-dicarbonyl compounds based on the oxygenation of phosphonate carbanions. Synthesis of dihydrojasmone, allethrone and methylenomycin b
Oxidation of the α-alkylthio-substituted phosphonate carbanions was found to give the corresponding carbonyl compounds. A new synthesis of 1,4-dicarbonyl systems involving the oxygenation of phosphonate carbanions as a key step is described. Total synthesis of dihydrojasmone and allethrone and formal synthesis of methylenomycin B is reported.