Zinc-mediated chain extension reaction of 1,3-diketones to 1,4-diketones and diastereoselective synthesis of trans-1,2-disubstituted cyclopropanols.

[reaction: see text] A variety of 1,3-diketones can be efficiently converted into the corresponding 1,4-diketones and trans-1,2-disubstituted cyclopropanols by using organozinc species in one-pot reactions. It was found that 2.3 equiv of CF3CO2ZnCH2I was effective to give the corresponding chain-extended products in 44-85% yields, while a mixture of organozinc species formed from 4.0 equiv of Et2Zn, 2.0 equiv of CF3CO2H, and 4.0 equiv of CH2I2 resulted in the formation of trans-1,2-disubstituted cyclopropanols with quite good yields and diastereoselectivity.