Eight-membered rings aldol condensation

Intramolecular Mukaiyama aldol condensation. This reaction can be used to obtain six-, seven-, and eight-membered rings. Thus the reaction of the r /.v-dioxolanc la with TiCL (1-2 equiv.) gives 2a as the exclusive product. The isomeric /ran.v-dioxolane lb under similar conditions gives a I I mixture of 2a and 2b (72% yield). No cyclization products are obtained with SnCL or ZnCL. 

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