Over the past decade, organocatalysis has emerged as a powerful tool for stereoselective carbon-carbon bond formation under exceptionally mild conditions. The organocatalytic versions of a large number of traditional synthetic transformations are now well established and the quest for new applications of the basic concepts of organocatalysis continues. This review addresses the emergent interest in the organocatalytic vinylogous aldol reaction. While noteworthy progress has been made in this area, significant challenges lie ahead.

The γ-butenolide obtained from an organocatalyzed, direct vinylogous aldol reaction of γ-crotonolactone and benzaldehyde serves as the key starting material in the expedient synthesis of a 3-hydroxy-2-phenyl piperidine intermediate which is converted to the target 2,3-disubstituted piperidines.

No abstract

The enantioselective organocatalytic direct vinylogous aldol reaction of γ-crotonolactone and a suitable aldehyde was utilized in the synthesis of a functionalized γ-butenolide. The γ-butenolide (aldol product) was stereoselectively converted into a 5-aminoalkyl butyrolactone, which isomerized to the key 2,3-disubstituted piperidinone, a common intermediate to (+)-febrifugine and (+)-halofuginone.

Review: 60 refs.