Observations on the effect of silanes on the reaction of 10-methyl.Δ 19-2-octalone with lithium dimethylcuprate(I)

Abstract

The influence of silanes on the reaction of enones with cuprates has been examined using the title enone compound and Me 2CuLi.LiI. In ether solvent the effect the effect of various silanes on the 1,4/1,2 addition ratio was minor. In tetrahydrofuran significantly increased 1,4/1,2 addition ratios and increased conversion of substrate was noted in the presence of silanes. Me 3SiC1 proved to be the most effective of the silanes examined for preferential 1,4 enone addition.