A methodology for the construction of sterically congested
quaternary
centers via the trapping of vinyl carbocations with silyl ketene acetals
is disclosed. This main group-catalyzed α-vinylation reaction
is advantageous as methods to access these congested motifs are limited.
Moreover, β,γ-unsaturated carbonyl moieties and tetrasubstituted
alkenes are present in various bioactive natural products and pharmaceuticals,
and this catalytic platform offers a means of accessing them using
simple and inexpensive materials.