A new stereo- and regioselective method for the preparation of α-methylene and 4-alkylidene
cyclopentenones is described. These substructures were achieved by an intramolecular [2 + 2 +
1] cycloaddition of an allene, alkyne, and carbon monoxide moieties to afford the target compounds
stereoselectively and in good yields. In some cases, the target compounds were obtained as mixtures,
but it is demonstrated that the formation of either the α-methylene or 4-alkylidene cyclopentenone
can be controlled by the allene structure or reaction conditions. Monosubstituted allenes afford
α-methylene cyclopentenones as the only cycloadduct. Disubstitution on the allene alters the course
of the allenic [2 + 2 + 1] reaction. 3,3-Disubstituted allenes undergo cycloaddition with the least
substituted π-bond of the allene. This affords the bicyclo[4.3.0]nonane ring system. Cycloaddition
of 1,3-disubstituted allenes afford mixtures of several possible cycloadducts. However, it has been
shown that good control over the product ratio can be obtained by altering the cycloaddition
conditions and that the regiochemistry can be directed depending upon the metal used.
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