1,1-Diphenylalkenes. Part IV. Carbonation and aldol addition reactions of 1,1-diphenylpropenyl anions

Abstract

A series of carbonyl compounds were allowed to react wth carbanions of the type [Ph₂CCHCHR]^– in liquid ammonia. Exclusive attack at C-3 was observed. p-Nitrobenzaldehyde reacted by an alternative pathway; carbanion dimerisation occurred. Carbonation reactions had the same orientation as had the aldol addition reactions. Preliminary results suggest an initial attack at C-1 followed by rearrangement to the C-3 carboxylate product.