An efficient methylenation reaction in isomer-labile ketones is described. The methylenation reaction is based on an improved method for the formation of bis(iodozincio)methane [CH2(ZnI)2]. A subsequent in situ hydroboration-oxidation sequence provides the corresponding methanol derivatives in high yields without double-bond isomerisation.
enolisable ketones - methylenation - in situ alcohol formation - titanium-zinc promotion - CH2(ZnI)2 preparation