Organobase-catalyzed [1,2]-Brook rearrangement of silyl glyoxylates.

A highly efficient [1,2]-Brook rearrangement of silyl glyoxylates has been developed using DBU as the organobase-catalyst. This [1,2]-Brook rearrangement is applicable to a number of thiols and secondary phosphine oxides containing acidic protons. These nucleophiles afford the corresponding Brook products in high yields. Using this methodology, a formal synthesis of anti-HIV drug compound lamivudine was realized.