Rh(I)-catalyzed conjugate addition of alkenylzirconocene chloride: stereoselective formation of carbocycles through cascade reaction

Stereoselective formation of carbocycles was carried out through [RhCl(cod)]2-catalyzed reactions of alkenylzirconocene chloride to ω-carbonyl-α,β-ene carbonyls (ketone, ester, and amide) or to bis-enone derivatives. The Rh(I)-catalyzed reaction of alkenylzirconocene chloride with ω-carbonyl-α,β-enoyl amide, which is derived from Oppolzer’s sultam, showed high diastereoselectivity to yield an carbocycle (95% yield, >95% de).