Cu(I)-assisted carbon---carbon bond forming reactions of γ,γ-dialkoxyallylic zirconium species: a new versatile homoenolate equivalent of propionate

In the presence of CuCN, reaction of γ,γ-dialkoxyallylic zirconium species 1 with acyl chloride or allylic phosphates proceeded at the -position of 1 to give alkanoates 3 after aqueous work-up. The ketene dialkylacetal moiety in the coupling products 2 can be used for further bond forming reaction with electrophiles such as nitrosobenzene, nitrostyrene or trichloroacetylisocyanate.