A new method for the synthesis of substituted cyclopentenes is developed, based on
an intramolecular 1,2-addition reaction of vinylcopper species generated from 1,1-dibromoalkene
derivatives. The substrates are prepared from ketones through the aldol reaction with
3,3-dibromoacrolein followed by silylation of the hydroxyl group. Treatment of the
substrate with excess Me2CuLi results in the formation of 3-methyl-2-cyclopenten-1-ol derivatives with good
yields.
Key words
annulation reactions - ketones - 1,1-dibromoalkenes - Gilman reagents - cyclopentenes