Acyclic Dieckmann reaction

The cyclization reactions described in this chapter and, occasionally, even the acyclic condensation reactions, can often be prefaced by a different type of process such as a Michael reaction. We shall term such a sequence a tandem reaction and a number of these have already been described. Others will be collected here to illustrate the types of processes that have been observed. The cycloenones (198), when treated with a nucleophile (199) under basic conditions, react in a Michael fashion to give the intermediates (200), which then undergo the Dieckmann reaction to give the bicyclic dione (201). Similarly, methyl cinnamate (202) reacts with the nucleophile (203) in the same tandem sequence to give the cyclopentanone (204) as a diastereomeric mixture (Scheme 89). ... 

The Claisen and Dieckmann reactions and their modifications are major synthetic methods for the formation of acyclic and cyclic systems. The resulting 3-keto esters, or analogous systems, can undergo a variety of synthetic modifications allowing entry into a range of derivatives. The reactions can be con-... 

The reaction of propargylic esters with aldehydes and hydrogen sulfide in the presence of boron trifluoride etherate leads to 1,3-dithiins (86) (Equation (56)) <71T5753>. Dieckmann cyclization of suitably substituted acyclic 1,3-dithioacetals gives rise to l,3-dithian-5-ones (87) (Equation (57)) <59LA(624)79, 63LA(661)84>. 

High Dilution Although the preparation of five- and six-mem-bered rings from appropriate acyclic precursors usually proceeds without difficulty, the synthesis of larger rings requires more elaborate techniques since bimolecular condensations tend to become more favorable than simple cyclization. To favor the unimolecular reaction at the expense of the bimolecular condensation, high dilution techniques are used, and the apparatus (Fig. 1-14) used for the Dieckmann cyclization of diethyl tetradecan-1,14-dicarboxylate is excellent for this purpose.f... 

---