Synthesis of spiro[4.5]decane and bicyclo[4.3.0]nonane ring systems by self-cyclization of (Z)- and (E)-2-(trimethylsilylmethyl)pentadienal derivative

The two title carbon frameworks were synthesized utilizing a new type of iron-induced cyclization reaction of 2-(trimethylsilylmethyl)pentadienal. 2-Methylspiro[4.5]dec-2-en-1-one was obtained from (Z)- and (E)-4-cyclohexylidene-2-(trimethylsilylmethyl)but-2-enal. It was found that the (Z)-substrate isomerized to (E)-intermediate followed by cyclization to afford the initial product, 2-methylenespiro[4.5]dec-3-en-1-ol, which was isomerized to the above product. The cyclization of 4-(4-alkyl)cyclohexylidene-2-(trimethylsilylmethyl)but-2-enal proceeded stereoselectively. While, (E)-3-(cyclohex-1-en-1-yl)-2-(trimethylsilylmethyl)prop-2-en-1-al cyclized immediately affording 8-methylenebicyclo[4.3.0]non-9-en-7-ol. The corresponding (Z)-isomer gave several cyclization products as a complex mixture.