BF(3).Et(2)O-induced decomposition of ethyl 2-diazo-3-hydroxy-3,3-diarylpropanoates in acetonitrile: a novel approach to 2,3-diaryl beta-enamino ester derivatives.

The BF(3).Et(2)O-induced decomposition of ethyl 2-diazo-3-hydroxy-3,3-diarylpropanoates, prepared by the addition of a series of benzophenones to ethyl diazo(lithio)acetate, is reported and studied. By using acetonitrile as a solvent, the corresponding N-acyl beta-enamino ester derivatives are obtained in good yields and with a diverse regioselectivity as the result of 1,2-aryl migration in the vinyl cation intermediates. The factors that govern the migratory aptitude as well as the mechanistic aspects of the reaction are discussed.