Preparation of proximal β-hydroxy silyl enol ethers from α,β-epoxyketones using silyllithium reagents

A new method for the stereoselective preparation of proximal β-hydroxy silyl enol ethers from α,β-epoxyketones using silyllithium reagents has been developed. The reaction is believed to proceed via Brook rearrangement assisted by opening of the adjacent epoxide. A number of α,β-epoxyketones were reacted with methyldiphenylsilyllithium to form the corresponding proximal β-hydroxy silyl enol ethers in good to excellent yield and excellent stereoselectivity.