(beta)-Hydride Elimination from (alpha)-Positioned Methyl Group of Bicyclic Zirconacyclopentanes Assisted by Aldehyde

(beta)-Hydrogen elimination from (alpha)-methylated bicyclic zirconacyclopentanes was promoted by benzaldehyde at low temperature. Treatment of the resulting mixture with allyl bromide and benzoyl chloride in the presence of CuCl introduced new olefin or phenylcarbonyl moieties in the product.