Propionaldehydes anion equivalent

The concept of homoenolization was recognized by Nickon in the 1960s but attempts at direct formation of homoenolates were frustrated by cyclopropanolate formation. This lack of success has prompted the development of homoenolate equivalents19 of which the first example, the 3-propionaldehyde anion equivalent (112), was previously discussed (Sections 1.2.2.1.2 and 1.2.2.1.3). Ghosez has shown that a-cyanoenamines (249 and 250) add preferentially in the 1,4(7)-mode to cycloalkenones. The versatility of (250) which serves as either a (3-carboxyvinyl anion equivalent [-CH=CHCChR] or 3-propionate anion equivalent ["Cl ClfcCChR] (Scheme 85) is notable.191... 

Regiospecific alkylation of dimethylhydrazone anions with the masked acrolein equivalent, 3-bromo-propionaldehyde dimethyl acetal, has brcn used as an alternative to a conventional Michael reaction in Corey s total synthesis of picrotoxinin (c/. equation 13). Azaallyllithium reagents derived from aldehyde and ketone hydrazones, unlike enolates, yield monoalkylation products with control of both regio-chemistry and stereochemistry. In appropriate cases, alkylation followed by deprotection to form a dicarbonyl product can be a very effective synthetic strategy. 

---