Transmetalation of (Z)-Telluroenynes: Stereoselective Synthesis of (Z)-Enynols

Significance

The synthesis of various (Z)-enynols is achieved via the reaction of alkenyl­lithium intermediates with aldehydes and ketones. These alkenyllithiums are obtained by a tellurium/lithium exchange. The subsequent cyclization of a broad variety of (Z)-enynols affords substituted furans and dihydrofurans with high regioselectivity under mild reaction conditions.