Formal [4 + 2] Cycloaddition of Donor−Acceptor Cyclobutanes and Aldehydes: Stereoselective Access to Substituted Tetrahydropyrans

A highly diastereoselective synthesis of 2,6-cis-disubstituted tetrahydropyrans (THPs) via Lewis acid-catalyzed formal [4 + 2] cycloaddition of donor-acceptor cyclobutanes and aldehydes has been developed. THP products are formed in up to 96% yield and 99:1 diastereoselectivity. Aromatic, cinnamyl, and aliphatic aldehydes are competent dipolarophiles in this system. This methodology was extended to a [[2 + 2] + 2] cycloaddition of 4-methoxystyrene, dimethyl methylidene malonate, and an aldehyde to furnish THPs directly without prior isolation of the cyclobutane.