A [3.3]Sigmatropic Rearrangement of α,β-Unsaturated Fischer Chromium Carbenes: Synthesis of Alkynol and Dienol Esters

A novel [3.3]sigmatropic rearrangement of in situ formed α,β-unsaturated Fischer acyloxy carbenes forming alkynol esters is described. For example, reaction of tetramethylammonium pentacarbonyl(1-oxo-2-butenyl)chromate(1-) (4) with 4-methoxybenzoyl chloride gave 2-methyl-3-butyn-2-yl 4-methoxybenzoate (8) in 32% yield. In addition to the rearrangement products, dienol esters formed by a formal β-hydride elimination-reductive elimination sequence were usually isolated. In the above example, 3-methylbuta-1,3-dien-1-yl 4-methoxybenzoate (9) was obtained (16%) as the side product.