asymmetric cyclization–carbonylation of propargyl ketols catalyzed by palladium(II) with chiral bisoxazoline (box) ligands. The 2S,3S enantiomer of (±)-6 was preferentially converted to 13 (45–49% yields, 37–46% ee), and the 2R,3R enantiomer of (±)-6 was preferentially converted to 14 (21–23% yields, 92–97% ee). As an application of this reaction, formal synthesis of (+)-bakkenolide A was achieved.
The dialkylation and cycloalkylation reactions of active methylene compounds in the presence of readily available imidazolium salts (ionic liquids) as phase transfer catalysts were performed to afford the respective dialkylated or cycloalkylated products. This method is very efficient for the synthesis of 1,1-disubstituted derivatives and cyclopropane and cyclopentane ring systems in a facile manner