Sequenced reactions with samarium(II) iodide. Sequential intramolecular Barbier cyclization/Grob fragmentation for the synthesis of medium-sized carbocycles.

Samarium(II) iodide was used to access eight-, nine-, and ten-membered carbocycles via a domino reaction composed of a cyclization/fragmentation process. 2-(Iodoalkyl)-, 2-(iodomethyl)allyl-, and 2-(2-iodomethyl)benzyl-2-methyl-3-(methanesulfonyloxy)cycloalkanones were subjected to Barbier-type reductive coupling conditions. Intermediate cycloalkanedione derivatives were also treated under similar conditions, providing bicyclic hydroxy ketones with complete diastereoselectivity and high yields. This method represents a general and efficient approach to a variety of highly functionalized, stereodefined carbocycles.