The synthesis of a series of dienamides 5a-j using Oppolzer’s method is described. Using Rathke’s method the ketene N,O-silyl acetals 6a-j can be obtained in good yield from the corresponding dienamines. The ketene acetals are obtained free of base and free of salts. They are stable and can be stored at -20°C. The new dienes are useful reagents for tandem reactions.
The preparation of N-butadienyl-N-alkylketene N,O-tert-butyldimethylsilylacetals (11a - d)from readily available starting materials is described. The cascade Diels-Alder reaction followed by acylation of these ketene acetals yields bicyclic and tricyclic products 7.13a,b and 14c,d with high diastereoselectivity.