Reactions of α,β-Enones with Diazo Compounds: Part 4: Reaction Pathways from (Z)- and (E)-α,β-Enones with Dimethyl Diazomalonate

In this study, (E)- and (Z)-enones carrying only a phenyl substituent at their C(β) atom were treaced with dimethyl diazomalonate in the presence of (acetylacetonato)copper(II). According to the configuration of the starting enones, the products were dioxole or dihydrofuran derivatives, significant heterocycles in natural products.