A Simple One-pot Conversion of Aldehydes and Ketones to Enals

摘要

A simple and efficient method to convert aldehydes into α,β-unsaturated aldehydes with a two-carbon homologation is presented. Hydroboration of ethoxy acetylene with BH3•SMe2 generates tris(ethoxyvinyl) borane. Transmetallation with diethylzinc, addition to aldehydes or ketones, and acidic workup affords enals. When the addition is quenched with anilinium hydrochloride, 1,2-dithioglycol, or acetic anhydride the unsaturated imine, dithiolane, or 1,1-diacetate is isolated in high yield. These transformations can be performed in a one-pot procedure.