Definition of several control elements relevant to the stereodefined serial elaboration of belted poly(spirotetrahydrofurans) fitted with a cyclohexane core

The stereochemistry of the condensations of 2-cyclohexenones, alpha-arylidenecyclohexanones, and alpha-(tert-butyldimethylsiloxy)cyclohexanones carrying one or two (both syn and anti) spirotetra-hydrofuran units adjacent to the carbonyl with allyl organometallics (especially indium) and with the Normant reagent (ClMgO(CH2)(3)MgCl) is described. Good levels of anti stereoselection are observed in the alpha-arylidene series. Subsequent cyclization generates a second (or third) tetrahydrofuran ring possessing trans vicinal oxygens. Useful levels of matched and mismatched diastereoselection are also attainable by prior alpha-oxygenation, The intrinsic differences in diastereomer production between indium and magnesium organometallics are highlighted. A clear distinction regarding the anticipated direction of stereoselectivity is made on the grounds of chelation capabilities and the intra- or intermolecularity of carbon-carbon bond formation. Finally, the two protocols that are described in detail are shown to be iterative, a feature that augurs well for ultimately accessing the eight possible hexaspirocyclohexanes in an efficient and stereocontrolled manner.