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Received June 22, 2010
DOI: 10.1021/jo101222v Published on Web 10/06/2010 J. Org. Chem. 2010, 75, 7129–7140 7129
r 2010 American Chemical Society
JOC Article Du and Erickson
(18) (a) Mayr, H.; Huisgen, R. Angew. Chem., Int. Ed. 1975, 14, 499–500.
(b) Dore, M.; Tesson, G.; Taboury, F. J. C. R. Congr. Natl. Soc. Savantes,
Sect. Sci. 1962, 87, 449–452.
(19) Takai, K.; Hotta, Y.; Oshima, K.; Nozaki, H. Tetrahedron Lett.
1978, 27, 2417–2420. (b) Takai, K.; Kakiuchi, T.; Kataoka, Y.; Utimoto, K. The 3,4-trans stereochemistry of 12-15 and the E/Z stereo-
J. Org. Chem. 994, 59, 2668–2670. chemistry of 13 and 14 were assigned on the basis of their 1H and
J. Org. Chem. Vol. 75, No. 21, 2010 7131
JOC Article Du and Erickson
13
C chemical shift values as described for 6-11 (see the Experi- mixtures. Steric hindrance to approach of the base (or nucleo-
mental Section for δ values). The E/Z assignments were con- phile) is a likely explanation for this lack of E2 (or SN2) reactivity.
firmed by the observation of an NOE effect between the The stereochemistry of compounds 16 and 17 was estab-
methoxy methyl and the vinyl hydrogen in E-isomer 13 and lished as follows. The C-2 methyl of 16 is shielded relative to
between the C-4 methyl and the vinyl hydrogen in Z-isomer 14. that of 17, while the quaternary aromatic carbon of 17 is
3-Ethoxy-2-methyl-2-phenyl Series. To avoid the facile shielded compared to that of 16. In 16, both C-4 hydrogens
isomerization at the monosubstituted R-ring carbon (with ex- resonate at δ 3.20; one is shielded by the phenyl ring and the
clusive formation of the thermodynamically favored 3,4-trans other by the ethoxy group. In isomer 17, the C-4 β-hydrogen
isomers), the synthesis of 2,2,3-trisubstituted (bromomethyl- experiences shielding by both the phenyl and the ethoxy
ene)cyclobutanes was undertaken. Phenylmethylketene and groups, while the C-4 R-hydrogen is unshielded. Additionally,
ethylvinyl ether formed a separable mixture of 3-ethoxy-2- the methylene and methyl protons of the ethoxy group are
methyl-2-phenylcyclobutanones 16 and 1720 (ratio 1.0:0.75). shielded by the phenyl in 17 compared to those protons in 16.
While direct Wittig bromomethylenation was unsuccessful, Finally, in isomer 17, H-3 is shielded by the adjacent C-2 cis-
methylenation afforded high yields of 18 and 19. Bromina- methyl group relative to H-3 in 16 where the methyl group is
tion-dehydrobromination of 18 afforded only one isomer, trans.20 The C-2 phenyl group has no effect on H-3, whether
tentatively identified as 1-(E)-(bromomethylene)-3-ethoxy-2- cis or trans.20
methyl-2-phenylcyclobutane (20). When the crude dibromide Stereochemical assignments for the methylene compounds 18
from 18 was treated for a short period of time with base at 25 °C, and 19 were made in an analogous fashion. The relative ring
rather than at reflux, the isomeric epoxides 21 and 22 (ratio 1:2) stereochemistry of vinyl bromide 20 is based on its synthesis
were formed. Both epoxides produced vinyl bromide 20 when from 18 and the 13C chemical shift value for the C-2 methyl at δ
treated with potassium bromide and potassium hydroxide in 21.0 compared to δ 20.4 for 18 and δ 27.1 for 19. Its designation
ethanol at reflux for 3.5 h, suggesting that they may be inter- as the E-isomer is reasonable from a steric perspective and from
mediates in the dehydrobromination reaction. We have utilized its behavior with butoxide (see below), but this stereochemistry
epoxide intermediates to synthesize bromomethylenecyclobu- cannot be confirmed by comparison with its (unobtainable)
tanes in previous work.12b Z-isomer.
The assignment of relative stereochemistry at the spiro
junction in 21 and 22 is based on the greater chemical shift
difference between the two epoxy hydrogens in 21 (δ 3.16 and
3.47) compared to 22 (δ 3.93 and 4.09). In 21, these protons are
differently shielded by the adjacent cis-phenyl group, while in
22, they are more nearly equivalent and not subject to aromatic
π shielding.
3-Ethoxy-2-methoxy-2,4,4-trimethyl Series. The failure to
synthesize both 2,3- or 3,4-cis and -trans isomers of substituted
bromomethylenecyclobutanes led us to consider the use of
chemically equivalent groups distinguishable by isotopic label-
ing. Such a system allows an investigation of the stereochemistry
of the carbanionic rearrangement without competing thermo-
dynamic effects. Accordingly, the synthesis of the unsymmetri-
cally labeled 1-(bromomethylene)-3-ethoxy-2-methoxy-2,4,4-
trimethylcyclobutanes was carried out.
Methylation22 of ketone 12 with 10% enriched 13C-labeled
methyl iodide gave a mixture of labeled 3-ethoxy-2-methoxy-
2,4,4-trimethylcyclobutanones (23a and 23b) in a ratio of
1.5:1.0. The ketones were then converted to vinyl bromides
25 and 26 (ratio of 2.3:1.0) in the usual fashion. Vinyl bro-
mides 25 and 26 labeled only at the exocyclic carbon were
also synthesized in this fashion.
The stereochemistry of the ring substituents in 23-26 was
assigned in the usual manner. With vinyl bromides 25 and 26,
HSQC and NOESY data further verified the assigned struc-
tures. NOE interactions between the methine hydrogen at C-3
and the C-2 methoxy group as well as with the C-4 β-methyl
group clearly verified the relative ring stereochemistry as
shown.
The E/Z stereochemistry was assigned as before on the
basis of the chemical shift differences between the methyl
proton resonances as a function of their proximity to the
Although bromination of 19 afforded the dibromide, dehy-
drobromination with a variety of bases afforded only complex
(21) Brady, W. T.; Parry, F. H.; Stockton, J. D. J. Org. Chem. 1971, 31,
1480–1489.
(20) Mayr, H.; Huisgen, R. Tetrahedron Lett. 1975, 1349–1352. (22) Millard, A. A.; Rathke, M. W. J. Org. Chem. 1978, 43, 1834–1835.
at 100 °C afforded a mixture (unlabeled) of 32 (50%), 34 of C-4 would also give 35. Minor isomer 36 could also arise from
(18%), and recovered 13 and 14 in a 1.0:0.35 ratio. either double or single migration. Labeling studies to distinguish
the two processes were not undertaken, however. The avail-
ability of only one of the starting E/Z-isomers, as well as the
serious side reaction that competes with the rearrangement,
argued against pursuing this system further.
Ring-opened product 37 likely arises from the allylic anion
derived from 20. Isomerization of the double bond from the
exocyclic to the endocyclic position makes possible a reverse
conrotatory electrocyclic reaction. Dehydrobromination of
the resulting allylic bromide introduces the third double
bond of 37. We have observed allylic anion formation,
Bromocyclopentenes 32 and 34 were identified from their 1H, followed by ring-opening, in previous studies when DMF
13
C (DEPT), COSY, NOESY, and HMBC NMR spectra. The was used as a solvent.9 The process is facilitated here because
regiochemistry of 32 was assigned on the basis of a HMBC corre- of the conjugation which results in the ring-opened product.
lation between the C-5 methyl hydrogens and the vinyl carbon
bearing the bromine. The chemical shift of the C-5 methyl group
at δ 18.5 indicates that it is trans to the adjacent ethoxy group. The
trans relationship between the ethoxy and methoxy substituents is
also maintained as evidenced by a NOESY correlation between
the ethoxy methine (4-H) and the OCH3 group in both 32 and 34
when the spectra are acquired in benzene-d6 for better resolution.
The regiochemistry in 34 was also confirmed by HMBC correla-
tions of the vinyl methyl hydogens with both vinyl carbons.
The formation of 32 results from double migration with
complete retention of stereochemistry. This apparent syn mi-
gration could be achieved via path b in Scheme 1 where a The inability to access both starting E/Z-bromomethylenecy-
carbene-halide complex is implicated. Intermediate 33 arises clobutanes or both double and single migration products with any
from E-isomer 13 by single migration, also in a syn fashion, of of the above systems led us to consider still other alternatives.
the methyl-bearing ring carbon C-4. Unfortunately, 33 was not Additionally, we wished to ensure that the stereochemistry
stable under the more strenuous reaction conditions required for embodied in the rearrangement products reflected that dictated
its formation. A prototopic shift converted 33 to isomer 34, thus by the migration mechanism rather than the more thermodyna-
destroying the stereochemical integrity of the migrating carbon mically stable arrangement of groups. The use of selective labeling
atom. Hence, no information regarding the stereochemistry of with chemically equivalent groups on the migrating carbon would
the single migration process was forthcoming in this system. achieve these objectives. Accordingly, compounds 25 and 26,
Isomerization of the products of the type described above can readily separable by vapor-phase chromatography (VPC), were
be avoided with gem-disubstituted rings as in 20. This compound synthesized and subjected to the rearrangement reaction condi-
rearranged with potassium tert-butoxide in refluxing pentane tions. Chromatographically pure E-vinyl bromide 25, Z-vinyl
to give an 81% yield of a 7.4:1.0:2.0 mixture of (3R*,4S*)-1- bromide 26, or a 2.3:1.0 mixture of both (all with an a:b ratio of
bromo-4-ethoxy-3-methyl-3-phenylcyclopentene (35) (where the 1.5:1.0) reacted with potassium tert-butoxide in pentane at 0-
asterisk indicates relative stereochemistry), (4S*,5R*)-1-bromo- 36 °C to give 95-98% yields of rearranged products which were,
4-ethoxy-5-methyl-5-phenylcyclopentene (36), and 1-E-1-ethoxy- unfortunately, inseparable chromatographically. The double-
3-methylene-4-phenyl-1,4-pentadiene (37). Regioisomers 35 and migration product (38a/38b) accounted for 85-90% of the rear-
36 were distinguished by their NOESY spectra where a cross peak ranged product mixture. The a:b ratio for both 38 and 39
between the vinyl hydrogen and the quaternary methyl group was was1.5:1.0, unchanged from that of the starting bromomethyle-
observed in isomer 35 but not in 36 and the bromine’s deshielding necyclobutanes, 25 and 26. Higher reaction temperatures led to a
effects at the different allylic carbons. The retained cis relationship significant decrease in volatile products; at 100 °C, the combined
of the ethoxy and the methyl group in both isomers is evidenced yield of 38 and 39 dropped to 73%, and at 150 °C it was only 46%.
by the methyls’ 13C chemical shift values.
The proton spectra of regioisomers 38 and 39 were migration, a fact also already established,12a then these results
essentially identical in CDCl3 except for a very slight are explicable in terms of Scheme 3. The major rearrangement
chemical shift difference in the OCH3 groups. In C6D6, product, 38c, arises from a double migration which can be either
the OCH3 and the vinyl protons of the two isomers anti (from 25c) or syn (from 26c), the latter analogous to the
resolved. The NOESY spectrum showed that the vinyl conversion of 14 to 32. In these cases, C-2, the methoxy-bearing
hydrogen of the major isomer (38) correlated with protons ring carbon atom, migrates. Minor product 39c arises from a syn
of the OCH3 group. This fixed the position of the vinyl single migration, also of C-2, at lower temperatures. However,
hydrogen on the ring carbon adjacent to that group and, at elevated temperatures, anti double migration of C-4, the
by default, the bromine on the ring carbon adjacent to the dimethyl-bearing ring carbon atom, begins to compete and
gem-dimethyl group. Support for this assignment came isomer 39d is formed. Whether the anions, or carbenoids, of
from an analysis of the HMQC and HMBC spectra, which 25 and 26 are actually equilibrating remains an open question as
were used to definitively assign the three C-methyl groups. we were unable to detect any measurable interconversion of 25
In the HMBC spectrum of the major isomer (38), the and 26 under the rearrangement reaction conditions at 35 °C
protons of both carbons of the gem-dimethyl group corre- (or on storage at 25 °C for several weeks). This suggests that the
lated to the bromine-bearing vinyl carbon while in the intermediates derived from 25/26 rearrange rapidly once
minor isomer (39) these same protons correlated to the formed.
vinyl methine carbon. Similarly, in the major isomer, the The reaction most closely related to the rerrangement of halo-
protons of the methyl group on the methoxy-bearing methylenecyclobutanes is the Fritsch-Buttenberg-Wiechell
carbon correlated to the vinyl methine carbon while in (FBW) rearrangement.23 First described in 1894 as the base-
the minor isomer these protons correlated to the bromine- induced rearrangement of 1-halo-2,2-diarylalkenes to 1,2-diary-
bearing vinyl carbon. All other correlations were also lalkynes (eq 6),24 the FBW rearrangement has since been
consistent with the proposed structures. extended to a wide variety of systems, including those with alkyl
substituents on an alkylidenecarbenoid framework (eq 7).23,25
Pathway c of Scheme 1 essentially depicts the FBW rearrange-
Discussion ment from the vinyl haloanion (a potassium alkylidenecar-
The labeling data with compounds 25a-c and 26a-c verifies benoid) through the free alkylidenecarbene to the cyclopentyne.
that both the double and the single migrations occur with In paths a and b of Scheme 1, however, the halovinyl anion is
retention of configuration of the migrating group. These results diverted to the 1-halocyclopentenes stereoselectively without
are in keeping with the proposed mechanisms outlined in passing through the free carbene and cylcoalkyne. Undoubtedly,
Scheme 1, supporting the premise that the rearrangement reac- ring strain plays a major role in this diversion, and an arrested
tions are concerted or very nearly so. FBW reaction results, i.e., rearrangement occurs, both syn and
There are two aspects to the ring enlargement of 25 and 26
that stand out: (1) the methoxy-bearing ring carbon (C-2) mi- (23) (a) Knorr, R. Chem. Rev. 2004, 104, 3795-3849 and references cited
grates preferentially and (2) double migration is strongly pre- therein. (b) Jahnke, E.; Tykwinski, R. R. Chem. Commun. 2010, 46, 3235–
3249.
ferred. The ratio of the resultant rearranged products (38:39) is (24) (a) Fritsch, P. Liebigs Ann. Chem. 1894, 279, 319–323. (b) Buttenberg,
approximately the same irrespective of the stereochemistry of W. P. Liebigs Ann. Chem. 1894, 279, 324–337. (c) Wiechell, H. Liebigs Ann. Chem.
1894, 279, 337–344.
the starting bromomethylenecyclobutanes. Previous studies11b (25) (a) Eisler, S.; Tykwinski, R. R. In Acetylene Chemistry. Chemistry,
have shown that some minor isomerization (10-18%) of the Biology, and Material Science; Diederich, F., Stang, P. J., Tykwinski, R. R.,
bromomethylenecyclobutanes can occur under the rearrange- Eds.; Wiley-VCH: Weinheim, 2005; pp 259-302 and references cited therein.
(b) Bichler, P.; Chalifoux, W. A.; Eisler, S.; Shi Shun, A. L. K.; Chernick,
ment reaction conditions. If the anions derived from 25 and 26 E. T.; Tykwinski, R. R. Org. Lett. 2009, 11, 519–522. (c) Pratt, L. M.;
are interconverting, and double migration is faster than single Nguyen, N. V.; Kwon, O. Chem. Lett. 2009, 38, 574–575.
anti, but a haloalkene, rather than a halide-free alkyne, is the end Preparation of 1-Bromomethylenecyclobutanes. 3,4-cis-3-
product. Ethoxy-2,2,4-trimethylcyclobutanone (6). A solution of 20 mL
of THF, 8.60 g (0.100 mol) of ethyl vinyl ether, and 10.1 g (0.100
mol) of triethylamine was cooled with an ice-water bath, and
10.6 g (0.100 mol) of isobutyryl chloride was added dropwise
over 30 min. The mixture was then stirred in an 80 °C oil bath for
3 h. The volatiles were removed by short-path distillation (20
mmHg). To the remaining yellow slurry was added 100 mL of
ether, and the mixture was filtered through Celite. The yellow
solution was concentrated and the residue was distilled to give
14.6 g (94%) of 6: bp20 mm 80-84 °C; IR 2975, 1778, 1461, 1130
In his recent excellent review of the FBW rearrangement,
cm-1; 1H NMR δ 1.11 (3H, s, C-2 R-Me), 1.13 (3H, d, J = 8.0
Knorr23a points out that migratory aptitudes appear to depend, Hz, C-4 Me), 1.22 (3H, t, J = 7.0 Hz, CH3CH2), 1.23 (3H, s, C-2
to some extent, on the inductive substituent constant26 of the β-Me), 3.45 (1H, pentet, J = 8.0 Hz, H-4), 3.51 (2H, q, J = 7.0
β-substituent that does not migrate (the stationary substituent). Hz, CH3CH2), 3.82 (1H, d, J = 8.0 Hz, 3-H); 13C NMR δ 7.7 (C-
Thus, alkoxy groups inhibit the generally facile migration of a 4 Me), 15.2 (CH3CH2), 16.0 (C-2 R- Me), 23.2 (C-2 β-Me), 54.4
phenyl group or a hydrogen atom. This behavior is observed (C-4), 62.1 (C-2), 66.6 (CH3CH2)), 76.7 (C-3), 218.4 (C-1).
with compounds 14 and 25/26 where the methoxy-substituted 3,4-trans-3-Ethoxy-2,2,4-trimethylcyclobutanone (7). A mix-
β-carbon inhibits the expected migration of the methyl- or gem- ture of triethylamine (20 mL) and cis isomer 6 (8.00 g, 51.3 mmol)
dimethyl-substituted β-carbons such that they become the was refluxed for 5 h. The triethylamine was removed by fractional
stationary groups and the methoxy-substituted carbon be- distillation, and 80 mL of ether was added to the residue. The
solution was washed with 10% HCl, H2O, and saturated aqueous
comes the migrating group.
NaCl. After drying over MgSO4 and evaporation of the solvent,
The role of the potassium in these rearrangement reactions the residue was distilled to give 7.80 g (98%) of trans isomer 7: bp20
is likely to be more than that of a spectator ion. In hydro- 79-80 °C; IR 2970, 1778, 1459, 1123 cm-1; 1H NMR δ 1.17 (3H, s,
carbon solvents, or in the absence of solvent, the potassium C-2 β-Me), 1.19 (3H, d, J = 6.8 Hz, C-4 β-Me), 1.22 (3H, s, C-2
remains closely associated with the organic moiety as its sole R-Me), 1.26 (3H, t, J = 7.0 Hz, CH3CH2), 3.29 (1H, pentet, J =
source of stabilization. Here, it can initiate metal-assisted 6.8 Hz, 4-H), 3.44 (1H, d, J = 6.8 Hz, 3-H), 3.53 (2H, q, J = 7.0
ionization (MIA)27 of the halide-carbon bond leading to Hz, CH3CH2); 13C NMR δ 12.1 (C-4 β-Me), 15.3 (CH3CH2), 17.5
rehybridization of the carbenoid carbon and generating an (C-2 R-Me), 21.7 (C-2 β-Me), 57.3 (C-4), 60.4 (C-2), 65.9
empty p-orbital thereon. Indeed, in their original paper27 on (CH3CH2), 81.5 (C-3), 215.9 (C-1).
MIA, Walborsky and co-workers invoked such a mechanism 3,4-trans-3-Ethoxy-2,2,4-trimethyl-1-(methylene)cyclobutane
(8). Potassium tert-butoxide (1.25 g, 11.2 mmol) and methyl-
for the anti FBW rearrangement. Although less easily visua-
triphenylphosphonium bromide (4.00 g, 11.2 mmol) were sus-
lized, the syn FBW rearrangement probably proceeds in a pended in anhydrous THF (10 mL), and the mixture was stirred
similar manner.23a at 25 °C under N2 for 2 h, during which time a yellow color devel-
These carbanionic rearrangements of halomethylenecy- oped. The cis-ketone 6 or trans-ketone 7 (1.56 g, 10.0 mmol) was
clobutanes to 1-halocyclopentenes are described by Knorr23a added dropwise, and the reaction mixture was stirred for an
as reactions that are “caught in the act of FBW rearrange- additional 24 h at 25 °C under N2. The solids were removed by
ment.” A good deal of ambiguity remains about the mecha- vacuum filtration, and the THF was removed by distillation. The
nism of the FBW rearrangement, especially regarding the syn residue was chromatographed on silica gel with pentane-diethyl
migration process. Hence, as suggested,23a the halomethyle- ether (10:1) to give trans-alkene 8 (1.48 g, 96%) from either cis- or
necyclobutyl systems may serve as viable tools for further trans-ketone: IR 3067, 2958, 1670, 1458, 1120 cm-1; 1H NMR δ
1.14 (3H, s, C-2 β-Me or C-2 R-Me), 1.15 (3H, d, J = 7.1 Hz, C-4
probing the mechanistic details of that well-known, but
Me), 1.16 (3H, s, C-2 β-Me or C-2 R-Me), 1.21 (3H, t, J = 7.0 Hz,
poorly understood, rearrangement. CH3CH2), 2.88 (1H, m, 4-H), 3.14 (1H, d, J = 7.1 Hz, 3-H), 3.46
(2H, q, J = 7.0 Hz, CH3CH2), 4.74 (1H, d, J = 2.4 Hz, dCH), 4.76
Experimental Section (1H, dd, J = 2.4, 0.4 Hz, dCH); 13C NMR δ 13.5 (C-4 β-Me), 15.3
(CH3CH2), 21.9 (C-2 R-Me), 27.7 (C-2 β-Me), 40.2 (C-4), 47.8
General Procedures. See the Supporting Information. (C-2), 65.8 (CH3CH2), 81.3 (C-3), 102.0 (dCH2), 162.2 (C-1).
Spectroscopic Data. IR spectra were run neat. 1H NMR 3,4-cis-3-Ethoxy-2,2,4-trimethyl-1-(methylene)cyclobutane (9).
spectra were determined at 200 MHz in CDCl3 unless otherwise A mixture of 2.9 g (44 mmol) of activated zinc powder, 25 mL of
noted, with TMS as the internal reference set at 0.0 ppm or residual dry THF, and 1 mL (14.4 mmol) of dibromomethane was stirred
solvent signal set at 7.24 ppm. 13C NMR spectra were recorded at under N2 in a dry ice/acetone bath at -40 °C while titanium tetra-
50.3 MHz in CDCl3 unless otherwise noted, with the solvent as the chloride (1.15 mL, 10.3 mmol) was added dropwise over 15 min.
internal reference set at 77.0 ppm. Quantitative 13C NMR analysis The mixture was then stirred under N2 at 5 °C for 72 h. The dark
of labeled compounds was carried out in the following manner: gray slurry was stirred and cooled in an ice/water bath, and 5 mL of
Samples were dissolved in CDCl3 containing 0.10 M chromium- dry CH2Cl2 was added followed by 1.54 g (10 mmol) of cis-ketone 6
(III) acetoacetonate [Cr(AcAc)3]. The spectra were obtained at dissolved in 5 mL of dry CH2Cl2 over a period of 10 min. The
150 MHz in the inverse gated broad-band decoupling mode. cooling bath was removed, and the mixture was stirred at 20 °C for
The integrated spectra were statistically analyzed28 to determine
1.5 h. The mixture was diluted with 30 mL of pentane, and then a
enrichment at the specified carbons. The average error in the
slurry of 15.0 g of NaHCO3 in 8 mL of water was added cautiously
measurements ranged from 2.0% to 8.1%.
over 1 h. The clear organic solution was decanted, and the residue
was washed with pentane. The pentane solution was dried over a
(26) (a) Charton, M. Prog. Phys. Org. Chem. 1981, 13, 119–251. (b) mixture of 10 g of Na2SO4 and 2 g of NaHCO3 and then filtered
Charton, M. Prog. Phys. Org. Chem. 1987, 16, 289–315.
(27) Topolski, M.; Duraisamy, M.; Rachon, J.; Gawronski, J.; Gawronska,
through a sintered glass funnel, thoroughly washing with pentane.
K.; Goedken, V.; Walbortsky, H. M. J. Org. Chem. 1993, 58, 546–555. The solvent was removed, and the liquid residue was purified by
(28) Gilbert, J. C.; Blackburn, B. K. J. Org. Chem. 1986, 51, 3656–3663. vapor-phase chromatography (VPC) to give cis-methylenated
A solution of 4.10 g (57.0 mmol) of ethyl vinyl ether and 5.75 g 3.16 (1H, d, J = 11.7 Hz, 2-H), 3.47 (2H, q, J = 7.1 Hz, CH3-
(57.0 mmol) of triethylamine in 20 mL of THF was cooled in an CH2), 3.48 (1H, dd, J = 11.7, 2.1 Hz, 2-H), 4.22 (1H, dd, J =
ice bath, and 6.40 g (38.0 mmol) of 2-phenylpropionyl chloride 8.1, 7.0 Hz, 5-H), 7.28 (5H, m, ArH); 13C δ 15.5 (CH3CH2), 27.2
in 10 mL of THF was added dropwise over 30 min. The mixture (C-4 Me), 42.8 (C-6), 45.7 (C-2), 58.1 (C-4), 64.4 (C-3), 64.9
was stirred in an 80 °C oil bath for 3 h. The volatiles were then (CH3CH2), 73.5 (C-5), 125.3 (2C, ArC), 127.1 (ArC), 128.7 (2C,
removed via short-path distillation (20 mmHg). To the remain- ArC), 143.5 (ArC).
ing yellow slurry was added 100 mL of ether, and the mixture (3S*,5S*,6R)-5-Ethoxy-6-methyl-6-phenyl-1-oxaspiro[2.3]-
was filtered through Celite. The yellow solution was concen- hexane (22): IR 3062, 3035, 2968, 1610 cm-1; 1H δ 1.25 (3H, t,
trated and the residue was subjected to VLC on silica gel with J = 7.0 Hz, CH3CH2), 1.49 (3H, s, C-6 Me), 2.44 (1H, dd, J = 12.7,
hexane/ethyl acetate (30:1) to give 5.49 g (27.0 mmol, 71%) of a 8.5 Hz, 4-H), 2.87 (1H, dd, J = 12.7, 6.9 Hz, 4-H), 3.61 (2H, q, J =
mixture of trans-ketone 16 and cis-ketone 17 in a 1.0:0.75 ratio. 7.0 Hz, CH3CH2), 3.93 (1H, d, J = 11.3 Hz, 2-H), 4.09 (1H, d, J =
(2R*,3S*)-3-Ethoxy-2-methyl-2-phenylcyclobutanone (16): IR 11.3 Hz, 2-H), 4.67 (1H, dd, J = 8.5, 6.9 Hz, 5-H), 7.31 (5H, m,
3062, 2974, 1772, 1601, 1126 cm-1; 1H δ 1.30 (3H, t, J = 7.1 Hz, ArH); 13C δ 15.0 (CH3CH2), 20.0 (C-6 Me), 41.1 (C-4), 43.7 (C-2),
CH3CH2), 1.53 (3H, s, C-2 Me), 3.20 (1H, d, J = 7.1 Hz, 4-H), 58.9 (C-6), 64.7 (CH3CH2), 67.2 (C-3), 72.9 (C-5), 126.0 (2C, ArC),
3.20 (1H, d, J = 6.8 Hz, 4-H), 3.64 (2H, q, J = 7.1 Hz, CH3CH2), 126.8 (ArC), 128.4 (2C, ArC), 147.8 (ArC).
4.43 (1H, dd, J = 7.1, 6.3 Hz, 3-H), 7.34 (5H, m, ArH); 13C δ 15.2 A solution of epoxide 21 or 22 (100 mg, 0.460 mmol), KBr
(CH3CH2), 19.5 (C-2 Me), 50.3 (C-4), 65.8 (CH3CH2), 70.8 (C-2), (90 mg, 0.76 mmol), KOH (26 mg, 0.46 mmol), and 95% ethanol
73.0 (C-3), 125.6 (2C, ArC), 126.8 (ArC), 128.7 (2C, ArC), 141.8 (5 mL) was refluxed for 3.5 h. The workup was the same as that
(ArC), 210.0 (C-1). used for method A. Pure vinyl bromide 20 (65 mg, 0.23 mmol,
(2R*,3R*)-3-Ethoxy-2-methyl-2-phenylcyclobutanone (17): IR 50%) was obtained by VLC on silica gel with hexane/ethyl
3059, 2975, 1781, 1601, 1117 cm-1; 1H δ 0.96 (3H, t, J = 7.0 Hz, acetate (20:1): IR 3080, 2973, 1668, 1603, 1121 cm-1; 1H δ 1.18
CH3CH2), 1.55 (3H, C-2 Me), 3.03 (1H, dd, J = 18.0, 4.8 Hz, 4β- (3H, t, J = 7.0 Hz, CH3CH2), 1.56 (3H, s, C-2 Me), 2.66 (1H,
H), 3.26 (2H, m, CH3CH2), 3.42 (1H, dd, J = 18.0, 6.9 Hz, ddd, J = 16.5, 6.7, 3.3 Hz, 4-H), 2.98 (1H, ddd, J = 16.5, 7.7, 2.4
4R-H), 4.06 (1H, dd, J = 6.9, 4.8 Hz, 3-H), 7.27 (5H, ArH); 13C Hz, 4-H), 3.42 (2H, q, J = 7.0 Hz, CH3CH2), 4.07 (1H, dd, J =
δ 14.5 (CH3CH2), 22.6 (C-2 Me), 51.1 (C-4), 65.2 (CH3CH2), 70.5 7.7, 6.7 Hz, 3-H), 5.96 (1H, dd, J = 3.3, 2.4 Hz, dCHBr), 7.17
(C-2), 75.2 (C-3), 126.7 (ArC), 127.3 (2C, ArC), 127.8 (2C, ArC), (5H, m, ArH); 13C δ 15.8 (CH3CH2), 21.0 (C-2 Me), 37.0 (C-4),
137.1 (ArC), 210.5 (C-1). 58.0 (C-2), 65.7 (CH3CH2), 78.2 (C-3), 100.2 (dCHBr), 126.3
(2R*,3S*)- and (2R*,3R*)-3-Ethoxy-2-methyl-1-methylene-2- (2C, ArC), 127.0 (ArC), 129.0 (2C, ArC), 145.8 (ArC or C-1),
phenylcyclobutane (18 and 19). These isomers were prepared 148.7 (ArC or C-1). HRMS calcd for C14H1779BrO 280.0457,
from 16 (88% yield) and 17 (82% yield) by means of a Wittig found 280.0458.
reaction as described for the preparation of 8. (2R*,3S*)-3-Ethoxy-2-methoxy-2,4,4-13C-trimethylcyclobu-
(2R*,3S*)-3-Ethoxy-2-methyl-1-methylene-2-phenylcyclobutane tanone (23a and 23b). Potassium hydride (35% oil dispersion,
(18): IR 3059, 2975, 1673, 1601, 1121 cm-1; 1H δ 1.09 (3H, t, J = 2.90 g, 25.2 mmol) was washed with pentane by decantation
7.2 Hz, CH3CH2), 1.46 (3H, s, C-2 Me), 2.70 (1H, dddd, J = 15.6, several times under a N2 atmosphere, and anhydrous THF
7.1, 2.5, 2.1 Hz, 4R- or 4β-H), 2.87 (1H, dddd, J = 15.6, 7.1, 2.5, 2.1 (25 mL) was added. At 20 °C, 2.00 g (12.6 mmol) of 3-ethoxy-2-
Hz, 4R- or 4β-H), 3.31 (2H, m, CH3CH2), 4.10 (1H, dd, J = 7.7, methoxy-4-methylcyclobutanone (12) was added dropwise. After
7.1 Hz, 3-H), 4.81 (1H, t, J = 2.5 Hz, dCH), 4.89 (1H, t, J = 2.1 complete addition, stirring was continued for 5 min and then 13C-
Hz, dCH), 7.23 (5H, ArH); 13C δ 15.3 (CH3CH2), 20.4 (C-2 Me), labeled iodomethane (3.60 g, 25.2 mmol, 10% enrichment) was
36.5 (C-4), 56.8 (C-2), 65.0 (CH3CH2), 78.9 (C-3), 106.9 (dCH2), added dropwise over 10 min. The mixture was then stirred for an
126.0 (3C, ArC), 128.2 (2C, ArC), 146.4 (ArC), 151.2 (C-1). additional 20 min before water (15 mL) was carefully added. The
(2R*,3R*)-3-Ethoxy-2-methyl-1-methylene-2-phenylcyclobutane mixture was extracted with pentane, and the pentane layers were
(19): IR 3061, 2975, 1688, 1600, 1116 cm-1; 1H δ 1.00 (3H, t, J = washed with water and dried over MgSO4. The solvent was
7.2 Hz, CH3CH2), 1.56 (3H, C-2 Me), 2.62 (dddd, J = 15.2, 7.6, removed, and the residue was purified by VLC (4% EtOAc/
2.8, 2.1 Hz, 4β-H), 2.97 (dddd, J = 15.2, 7.2, 2.8, 1.6 Hz, petroleum ether) to give pure 23 (1.72 g, 73%). The ratio of cis-4-
4R-H), 3.36 (2H, q, J = 7.2 Hz, CH3CH2), 3.86 (dd, J = 7.6, 7.2 methyl-13C labeled 23a and trans-4-methyl-13C labeled 23b was
Hz, 3-H), 4.99 (1H, dd, J = 2.1, 2.8 Hz, dCH), 5.12 (1H, dd, J = 1.51 to 1.00 as determined by 13C NMR: IR 2975, 1780, 1460,
1.6, 2.8 Hz, dCH), 7.34 (5H, m, ArH); 13C δ 15.0 (CH3CH2), 1119 cm-1; 1H NMR δ 1.16 (3H, s, C-4 Me), 1.24 (3H, s, C-4 Me),
27.1 (C-2 Me), 38.1 (C-4), 58.0 (C-2), 64.9 (CH3CH2), 79.5 (C-3), 1.24 (3H, t, J = 6.5 Hz, CH3CH2), 1.38 (3H, s, C-2 Me), 3.37 (3H,
107.1 (dCH2), 126.1 (ArC), 127.7 (2C, ArC), 128.1 (2C, ArC), s, OMe), 3.57 (2H, q, J = 6.5 Hz, CH3CH2), 3.82 (1H, s, 3-H); 13C
141.8 (ArC), 150.4 (C-1). δ 14.1 (C-2 or C-4 Me), 15.2 (CH3CH2), 17.3 (C-2 or C-4 Me),
(2S*,3S*)-(E)-1-Bromomethylene-3-ethoxy-2-methyl-2-phenyl- 22.9 (C-2 or C-4 Me), 52.5 (OMe), 56.1 (C-4), 66.7 (CH3CH2),
cyclobutane (20). Method A. Bromination-dehydrobromination 82.0 (C-3), 93.6 (C-2), 216.6 (C-1). Anal. Calcd for C10H18O3
of 18 was carried out as described for 10 and 11 to give a 59% (unlabeled sample): C, 64.49; H, 9.74. Found: C, 64.56; H, 9.65.
overall yield of 20. (2S*,3S*)-3-Ethoxy-2-methoxy-1-13C-methylene-2,4,4-13C-
Method B. The crude dibromide (860 mg, 2.40 mmol) ob- trimethylcyclobutane (24a and 24b). Methylenation of ketone 23
tained from 18 was allowed to react with a solution of 200 mg of (3.0 g, 16 mmol) with methyl-13C-triphenylphosphonium iodide
KOH (3.6 mmol) in 5 mL of 95% ethanol for 30 min at 25 °C. (6.5 g, 16 mmol) and KO-t-Bu (1.8 g, 16 mmol) as described for 8
The reaction mixture was extracted with ether, and the ether gave alkene 24 in 68% yield: IR 3068, 2976, 1673, 1459, 1116
extracts were washed with water and brine. After drying over cm-1; 1H δ 1.11 (3H, s, C-4 Me), 1.20 (3H, t, J = 7.0 Hz,
MgSO4, the solvent was removed, and the residue was purified CH3CH2), 1.21 (3H, s, C-4 Me), 1.35 (3H, s, C-2 Me), 3.27 (3H,
by vacuum liquid chromatography (VLC) on silica gel eluting s, OMe), 3.51 (2H, q, J = 7.0 Hz, CH3CH2), 3.70 (1H, s, 3-H),
with hexane/ethyl acetate (40:1). The pure epoxides 21 (180 mg, 4.97 (1H, s, dCH), 5.04 (1H, s, dCH); 13C NMR δ 15.3
0.830 mmol) and 22 (279 mg, 1.28 mmol) were obtained as (CH3CH2), 19.5 (C-2 or C-4 Me), 21.8 (C-2 or C-4 Me), 27.9
colorless oils in a total yield of 88%. (C-2 or C-4 Me), 41.7 (C-4), 50.9 (OMe), 66.0 (CH3CH2), 83.6
(3R*,4R*,5S*)-5-Ethoxy-4-methyl-4-phenyl-1-oxaspiro[2.3]- (C-2), 84.5 (C-4), 105.2 (dCH2), 158.9 (C-1).
hexane (21): IR 3065, 3036, 2971, 1612 cm-1; 1H δ 1.13 (3H, t, (2S*,3S*)-(E)- and (Z)-1-13C-Bromomethylene-3-ethoxy-2-
J = 7.1 Hz, CH3CH2), 1.58 (3H, s, C-4 Me), 2.51 (1H, ddd, J = methoxy-2,4,4-13C-trimethylcyclobutane (25a,b and 26a,b). Bro-
12.3, 8.1, 2.1 Hz, 6-H), 2.93 (1H, dd, J = 12.3, 7.0 Hz, 6-H), mination-dehydrobromination of alkene 24 (2.00 g, 10.9 mmol)
46%. Preparative VPC or VLC (vacuum liquid chromato- 135.8 (C-1); 13C δ (CDCl3, 150 MHz) 15.4, 20.2, 21.0, 27.6, 49.6,
graphy) afforded a mixture of the rearranged products 38 and 50.7, 67.1, 87.8, 88.9, 131.6, 135.1.
39 in a average ratio of 6:1: IR 2973, 2928, 1618, 1462, 1118, 870 (4S*,5R*)-1-Bromo-1-13C-4-ethoxy-5-methoxy-3,3,5-13C-tri-
cm-1; 1H δ (CDCl3, 200 MHz) 0.99 (3H, s), 1.18 (3H, s), 1.20 methylcyclopentene (39): 1H δ (C6D6, 600 MHz) 1.16 (3H, t, J =
(3H, t, J = 7.0 Hz), 1.24 (3H, s), 3.23 (3H, s, major isomer), 3.25 7.0 Hz, CH3CH2-), 1.20 (3H, s, C-3 R-Me), 1.25 (3H, s, C-3
(3H, s, minor isomer), 3.65 (2H, m), 3.68 (1H, s), 5.82 (1H, s); β-Me), 1.33 (3H, s, C-5 R-Me), 3.27 (3H, s, OMe), 3.49 (m, 1H,
13
C δ (CDCl3, 50 MHz) 15.4 (CH3), 20.2 (CH3, major isomer), CH3CH2-), 3.67 (m, 1H, CH3CH2-), 3.77 (1H, s, 4-H), 5.65 (1H,
20.6 (CH3, minor isomer), 21.0 (CH3, major isomer), 22.1 (CH3, s, 2-H); 13C δ (C6D6, 150 MHz, HSQC) 16.2 (CH3CH2-), 21.3
minor isomer), 27.6 (CH3, major isomer), 28.6 (CH3, minor (C-5 R-Me), 22.6 (C-3 R-Me), 29.0 (C-3 β-Me), 51.1 (OMe), 67.4
isomer), 49.6 (C), 50.7 (CH3), 66.9 (CH2, minor isomer), 67.1 (CH3CH2-), 86.2 (C-4), 126.6 (C-1), 142.4 (C-2); the unenriched
(CH2, major isomer), 85.7 (CH, minor isomer), 87.8 (C), 88.9 quaternary carbons, C-3 and C-5, were not observed in this
(CH, major isomer), 124.9 (C, minor isomer), 131.6 (CH, major sample; 13C δ (CDCl3, 150 MHz) 15.4, 20.6, 22.1, 28.6, 45.5,
isomer), 135.1 (C, major isomer) 141.8 (CH, minor isomer). 50.6, 66.9, 85.7, 89.6, 124.9, 141.8.
Anal. Calcd for C11H19BrO2 (unenriched sample): C, 50.20; H,
7.28. Found: C, 50.43; H, 7.34.
(3S*,4S*)-1-Bromo-2-13C-4-ethoxy-3-methoxy-3,5,5-13C-tri- Acknowledgment. We thank Guoxing Lin and Mary
methylcyclopentene (38): 1H δ (C6D6, 600 MHz) 1.16 (3H, t, J = R. Brennan for assistance with some of the NMR data
7.0 Hz, CH3CH2-), 1.20 (3H, s, C-5 R-Me), 1.25 (3H, s, C-5 acquisition.
β-Me), 1.33 (3H, s, C-3 R-Me), 3.07 (3H, s, OMe), 3.49 (m, 1H,
CH3CH2-), 3.67 (m, 1H, CH3CH2-), 3.80 (1H, s, 4-H), 5.83 (1H, Supporting Information Available: General experimental
s, 2-H); 13C δ (C6D6, 150 MHz, HSQC) 16.1 (CH3CH2-), 20.8 methods, copies of NMR spectra, and 13C label distribution
(C-3 R-Me), 21.9 (C-5 R-Me), 28.3 (C-5 β-Me), 50.3 (C-5), 51.0 tables. This material is available free of charge via the Internet at
(OMe), 67.8 (CH3CH2-), 88.4 (C-3), 90.4 (C-4), 132.7 (C-2), http://pubs.acs.org.