Use of Cyclic Allylic Bromides in the Zinc–Mediated Aqueous Barbier–Grignard Reaction

The zinc–mediated aqueous Barbier–Grignard reaction of cyclic allylic bromide substrates with various aldehydes and ketones to afford homoallylic alcohols was investigated. Aromatic aldehydes and ketones afforded adducts in good yields (66–90%) and with good diastereoselectivities. Non–aromatic aldehydes also reacted well under these conditions, but only poor yields were obtained with non–aromatic ketones. Regioselectivity was high when some substituted cyclic allylic bromides were investigated.