Abstract
We report a new catalytic protocol for the synthesis of gamma,delta-unsaturated carbonyl units from simple starting materials, allylic alcohols and alkynes, via a hydroxalkoxylation/Claisen rearrangement sequence. This new process is more efficient (higher TON and TOF) and more eco-friendly (increased mass efficiency) than the previous state-of-the-art technique. In addition, this method tolerates both terminal and internal alkynes. Moreover, computational studies have been carried out in order to shed light on how the Claisen rearrangement is initiated.