First anti‐Selective Direct Michael Addition of α‐Alkoxy Ketones to Enones by Cooperative Catalysis of Samarium(III) Trifluoromethanesulfonate and Tributyltin Methoxide

Abstract

A new highly anti‐diastereoselective Michael addition of α‐alkoxy ketones to α,β‐unsaturated ketones was achieved. This method features a dual‐catalyst protocol that combines samarium(III) trifluoromethanesulfonate and Bu3SnOMe. The combination of these two catalysts effectively allowed the generation of enolate species from α‐alkoxy ketones and produced Michael adducts in high yields with high anti diastereoselectivity. A variety of enones and α‐alkoxy ketones were applied to this system to give the anti products. One‐pot domino Michael/aldol reactions effectively afforded cyclic enones with a defined configuration.