Originally posted by Nicodem
You did not explain if you want to make the end compound by homologating the starting one, like this:
R-CH2CH2-Y => R-CH2CH=CHBr
or by modifying the end group like this:
R-CH2CH2-Y => R-CH=CHBr
If the first is an possibility then you can take your OH terminated starting compound, do a Swern oxidation to the aldehyde and then a Wittig reaction
with CH2Br2 derived Wittig reagent. The problem is that using this specific reagent some references claim the (Z)-product as the major while other
claim the (E)-product as the major one. It might be substrate dependend, but Wittig reactions in general tend to give more of the Z diastereoisomer
anyway.
Else, you can do a Takai olefination on the aldehyde instead of the Wittig. The reaction works fine even on fragile substrates, so I your acetal protection on the
other side should withstand without problems (just check on what complex substrate it can be used successfully: Organic Letters, 8 (2006) 6039-6042).
It also has a very great E selectivity as opposed to the Wittig which tends to give more of the (Z)-product. |