Synthesis of 2-Cycloalkenones (Parts of 1,4-Diacyl-1,3-butadiene Systems) and of a Heterocyclic Analogue by Metal-Catalyzed Decomposition of 2-Diazoacylfurans

Furans with side-chains at C(2) of various lengths terminating in diazomethyl keto groups are shown to undergo Rh₂(OAc)₄-catalyzed furan unravelling with the production of 2-cyclopentenone, 2-cyclohexenone, and 2-cycloheptenone to each of whose olefinic C(β) is attached an acrylaldehyde unit. Interposition of a cyclohexane or a methylaminomethylene moiety between the furan and diazoketo functions leads to the formation of a hydroindenone and pyrrolone, respectively. Replacement of the diazomethylketo terminus by an α-diazoethylketo system or a α-diazo-β-keto-ester function produces 2-substituted 2-cycloalkenones. A furan with a C₄, diazo-methylketo-terminating side-chain at C(3) is described to be transformed into a 4-formylmethylidene-2-cyclohe-xenone.