Allenyllithiums, cyclization

Allenylcopper reagents can be generated from allenyllithium precursors by treatment with stoichiometric amounts of CuBr (Table 9.6) [12]. These intermediates were not characterized, per se, but subsequent reaction with alkenyl iodides led to allenynes in high yield. Thus it is assumed that the reagents are allenic rather than propargylic. The same intermediates afford 2-alkynylsulfmamides on treatment with N-sulfmylaniline (Table 9.7) [13], Cyclization to the N-phenyldihydroisothiazole S -oxides proceeds in nearly quantitative yield on treatment with base. 

Allenyllithium compounds can function as nucleophiles for the synthesis of quinolines. The reaction of 3-methyl-1,2-butadienylIithium with phenyl isothiocyanate in THF at -70 "C produces the allenyl thio-carboximidate, which can be thermally cyclized to 2-methylthioquinoline (Scheme 14).24... 

The experimental conditions for the carboxylation of allenyllithium are governed by the consideration that introduction of the COOLi group renders the allenic protons more acidic (resonance stabilization). If the normal order addition is used (introduction of C02 into the solution of allenyllithium), the allenic carboxylate primarily formed may easily be deprotonated by the strongly basic allenyllithium. The new species (either LiCH=C=CHCOOLi or H2C=C=C(Li)COOLi) may react also with C02. To avoid this situation the solution of allenyllithium is gradually added to a strongly cooled solution of carbon dioxide in THF. As usual, liberation of the acid occurs by adding mineral acid. In view of the possibility of an acid-catalyzed cyclization to a lactone too strongly acidic conditions should be avoided ... 

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