Stereoselective synthesis of cyclic ethers via the palladium-catalyzed intramolecular addition of alcohols to phosphono allylic carbonates.

Cross metathesis of the acrolein-derived phosphono allylic carbonate and hydroxy alkenes using second generation Grubbs catalyst and copper(I) iodide gave the substituted phosphonates in good yield. Stereospecific palladium(0)-catalyzed cyclization gave tetrahydrofuran and tetrahydropyran vinyl phosphonates. Regioselective Wacker oxidation of the vinyl phosphonate gave the beta-keto phosphonate, which underwent HWE reaction with benzaldehyde to yield the unsaturated ketone. The utility of the cross metathesis/cyclization protocol was further demonstrated by a formal synthesis of centrolobine.