Transition-Metal-Free α-Vinylation of Enolizable Ketones with β-Bromostyrenes

An α-vinylation of enolizable ketones has been developed by using β-bromostyrenes and a KOtBu/NMP system. β,γ-Unsaturated ketones of E configuration were obtained in excellent yield and selectivity. Further synthetic possibilities are highlighted by one-pot functionalization via trapping of intermediate dienolates with alkyl, allyl, benzyl, and propargyl halides to generate quaternary centers. The reported transformation is believed to involve phenylacetylene and propargylic alcohol derivatives.