The Stereochemistry of Organometallic Compounds. XXX. Hydrocyanation of Alkynol Ethers: a New Stereospecific Route to α-Alkylidene γ-Lactones

Abstract

The regioselectivity of hydrocyanation of a range of protected α- and β-hydroxyalkynes has been investigated and shown to be highly susceptible to steric effects. Some of the products from hydrocyanation of protected β-hydroxyalkynes have been converted into α-alkylidene γ- lactones.