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The condensation reaction between a γ-methylene-α,β-unsaturated aldehyde and phenylpropargyl aldehyde was revisited and, guided by extensive DFT calculations of NMR shifts, was found to afford a deconjugative aldol condensation product. In this manner, a simple protocol for the preparation of valuable cross-conjugated oxatrienes was uncovered.

The construction of five-membered rings is essential in organic chemistry. In this context, pentannulation reactions that provide a straightforward access to cyclopentenones are of particular interest, as these structures are not only embedded in important molecules such as some prostaglandins, but also serve as versatile building blocks in organic synthesis. This review documents the acid-promoted cycloisomerization of conjugated dienals and linearly-conjugated dienones for the construction of cyclopentenones, a transformation that has been largely eclipsed by the well-known Nazarov reaction, i.e. the acid-promoted cycloisomerization of cross-conjugated ketones.

A new approach to the synthesis of cyclopenta[b]benzofuran derivatives via reaction of 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds with α,β,γ,δ-unsaturated aldehydes is described. The constitution and configuration of the new products have been firmly established by means of residual dipolar couplings (RDCs) and ab initio (13)C NMR chemical shift predictions.