Regio‐ and Stereoselective Synthesis of Vinylallenes by 1,5‐(SN′′)‐Substitution of Enyne Acetates and Oxiranes with Organocuprates

Enyne acetates 2, 4, 6, and 8, as well as enyne oxiranes 10, with different substitution patterns react with organocuprates regioselectively under 1,5-(SN2′′)-substitution to provide vinylallenes 11 and 12. With lithium dimethylcuprate, reduced vinylallenes originating from a (formal) transfer of a hydride ion to the substrate are formed in some cases. The products are usually obtained as mixtures of (E/Z)isomers; however, pure (E)-vinylallenes are formed occasionally. The 1,5-substitutions can also be carried out with catalytic amounts of copper reagents. The reaction of chiral enyne acetate (S)-2a with tBu2CuLi · LiCN proceeds enantioselectively, so that this transformation constitutes a new case of remote stereocontrol.