Synthesis of Cyclic Bis(trimethysilyl) Enol Ethers and Their [3 + 4] and [3 + 5] Annulation Reactions with Dicarbonyl Electrophiles. Access to Highly Functionalized Tricyclic Ethers Possessing Trans Intrabridgehead Stereochemistry

The synthesis of cyclic bis(trimethylsilyl) enol ethers from cycloalkanone carboxylates is described. The [3 + 4] and [3 + 5] annulation reactions of these bis(dinucleophilic) synthons with various 1,4- and 1,5-dicarbonyl electrophiles leads to the formation of tricyclic keto ethers with good regio- and stereochemical control. An interesting trans intrabridgehead stereochemistry is observed when using bis(trimethylsilyl) enol ethers derived from nine- to 12-membered ring β-keto esters.