Synthesis of 5-alkyl-Δ2-cyclopentenones and 6-alkyl-Δ2-cyclohexenones
Abstract
The dianion of α-phenylsulphinyl cyclopenta-none can be alkylated exclusively at the C-5 position; the resultant 5-alkyl-2-phenylsulphinyl cyclopentanone upon pyrolysis yields 5-alkyl-Δ2-cyclopentenone with complete exclusion of the more stable 2-alkyl-Δ2-cyclopentenone: similary α-phenylsulphinyl cyclohexanone provides access to 6-alkyl-Δ2-cyclohexenones.