Stereoselective synthesis of dienyl phosphonates via extended tethered ring-closing metathesis
Allylphosphonates of allylic alcohols were converted to conjugated dienyl phosphonates in a one-flask reaction, comprising a ring-closing metathesis (RCM), a base-induced ring-opening, and an alkylation. The ring-opening proceeds with very high diastereoselectivity, giving exclusively the (1Z,3E)-configured dienes. Single diastereomers and mixtures of diastereomers can be used as starting materials without noticeable effect on the diastereoselectivity of the sequence.