Oxirane reactions with enamines

This topological rule readily explained the reaction product 211 (>90% stereoselectivity) of open-chain nitroolefins 209 with open-chain enamines 210. Seebach and Golinski have further pointed out that several condensation reactions can also be rationalized by using this approach (a) cyclopropane formation from olefin and carbene, (b) Wittig reaction with aldehydes yielding cis olefins, (c) trans-dialkyl oxirane from alkylidene triphenylarsane and aldehydes, (d) ketenes and cyclopentadiene 2+2-addition, le) (E)-silyl-nitronate and aldehydes, (f) syn and anti-Li and B-enolates of ketones, esters, amides and aldehydes, (g) Z-allylboranes and aldehydes, (h) E-alkyl-borane or E-allylchromium derivatives and aldehydes, (i) enamine from cyclohexanone and cinnamic aldehyde, (j) E-enamines and E-nitroolefins and finally, (k) enamines from cycloalkanones and styryl sulfone. 

The reactivity of oxiranes with lithium enoiates and related compounds has been widely explored and reviewed . Dianions derived from carboxylic acids react readily with oxiranes, but the reaction can be slowed by steric hindrance . The reaction of oxiranes with dianions of acetoacetates is greatly accelerated by the addition of BF3 Et20 " . Oxiranes react readily with lithium salts derived from nitriles , malonates and analogues , lithiated oxazolines and lithio enamines . 

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