A convenient and efficient preparation of β-substituted α-haloenones from diazodicarbonyl compounds

Rhodium(II)-catalyzed reactions of cyclic diazodicarbonyl compounds with a variety of halides have been examined. With acid halides, β-acyloxy α-haloenones are produced in good yields. With benzyl halides, β-benzyloxy α-haloenones are obtained in good yields. Reactions with methylene halides yield β-halomethoxy α-haloenones in good yields, whereas reactions with ethyl halides and ethylene dihalides result in β-hydroxy α-haloenones in high yields. These reactions provide a useful and rapid entry to β-substituted α-haloenones. The mechanistic pathway for the formation of these products has been also described in terms of halonium ylides.