Morita–Baylis–Hillman Cyclizations of Arene–Ruthenium‐Functionalized Acrylamides

Abstract

Enticed by metalation with a {CpRuII} fragment, N-benzyl and N-phenethyl acrylamides participate in phosphine-promoted spirocyclizations even though they are normally unreactive in Morita–Baylis–Hillman (MBH)-type transformations. A ruthenium–arene cation serves as the electrophilic reaction partner for an in situ generated enolate ion in this organometallic variation of the MBH reaction.