All‐Carbon Intramolecular Conjugate Displacement Reactions: An Effective Route to Carbocycles

Abstract

Working together: Synergy between Michael addition and SN2′ displacement allows stabilized carbanions or the nucleophilic carbon atoms of enamines to undergo intramolecular addition to an α,β-unsaturated ester unit bearing an allylic leaving group to generate unsaturated carbocycles (see scheme). The starting esters are available by a selenium-based alternative to the classical Baylis–Hillman reaction, and complex structures can be assembled.