Michael Addition of 3-Oxo-3-phenylpropanenitrile to Linear Conjugated Enynones: Approach to Polyfunctional δ-Diketones as Precursors for Heterocycle Synthesis.

Reaction of linear conjugated enynones, 1,5-diarylpent-2-en-4-yn-1-ones [Ar 1 C≡CCH=CHC(=O)Ar 2 ], with 3-oxo-3-phenylpropanenitrile (NCCH 2 COPh) in the presence of sodium methoxide MeONa as a base in MeOH at room temperature for 4-26 h affords polyfunctional δ-diketones as a product of regioselective Michael addition to the double carbon-carbon bond of starting enynones. The δ-diketones have been formed as mixtures of two diastereomers in a ratio of 2.5:1 in good general yields of 53-98%. A synthetic potential of the obtained δ-diketones has been demonstrated by heterocyclization with hydrazine into substututed 5,6-dihydro-4 H -1,2-diazepine.