Search

A new strategy to access macrocyclic enynes was developed. To block undesired ene-yne cyclization pathways, alkynes were protected via bromination and the resultant acyclic vic-(E)-dibromotrienes participated in selective ene-ene ring closing metathesis reactions. Zinc-promoted deprotection of (E)-dibromodienes provided macrocyclic enynes in high yields.

The organocatalytic transfer hydrogenation reactions of 3-phenyl-2-cyclopentenone with imidazolidinone catalysts are evaluated using the hybrid density functional (B3LYP/6-31G(d)) theory. The origin of the preference for the (E) iminium transition state is determined, and the stereoselectivity of hydride transfer is investigated.

[reaction: see text] Density functional theory (B3LYP/6-31+G) has revealed the origin of stereoselectivity in intramolecular Diels-Alder reactions of vinyl oxocarbenium ions. The cycloaddition has endo preference and occurs with remote stereocontrol syn to the substituent at the stereogenic center. Torsional steering, the preference for the staggered conformation about forming sigma-bonds, dictates the preferred transition structure.