Ionic Iodocarbocyclization Reactions of 4-Alkenyl- and 4-Alkynylmalonate Derivatives

The cyclization reactions of dimethyl 4-alkenylmalonate derivatives 1a–d in the presence of I₂ and Ti(Ot-Bu)₄ proceed in a highly regio- and stereocontrolled manner (5-exo cyclization and trans addition) to give (iodoalkyl)cyclopentane derivatives 2 or bicyclic lactones 3 through the displacement of the iodide of 2 by an ester group. Iodocarbocyclization reactions of dimethyl [(cycloalkenyl)alkyl]-malonates 1g–i or dimethyl [(methylenecycloalkyl)alkyl]malonates 1j and 1k proceed regio- and stereoselectively to give fused ring compounds or spiro compounds, respectively, as single isomers. Similar reactions of 4-alkynyl derivatives 5 give preferentially E-iodomethylene cyclopentane derivatives 6. An ionic mechanism rather than a radical mechanism is suggested on the basis of the regioselectivity and stereospecificity of the above reactions.