Formation and Addition Reactions of Enol Ethers

Abstract

This chapter is concerned with the reactions of enol ethers with carbonyl compounds as illustrated in Scheme 1. The enol ethers considered include alkyl, silyl, germyl and stannyl ethers, and to a small extent enol esters. The carbonyl compounds encompass aldehydes, ketones, esters and their functional equivalents. Overall, the reaction depicted in Scheme 1 is similar to the classical aldol and related condensations discussed in Part 1 of this volume. However, in contrast to the basic conditions inherent in enolate anion chemistry, the reactions of enol ethers with carbonyl compounds are usually carried out under neutral or acidic conditions. Their chemistry, and consequently their synthetic utilities, often complement each other.