Abstract:
A novel synthesis reaction for highly stereospecific tri- and tetra-substituted olefins is described. A single stereoisomer of stable α-halo-α,β-ester is produced in high yield by the reaction of aldehyde or ketone with a trihalogenated compound such as trichloroacetate in the presence of CrCl 2  in a solvent. By varying the amount of CrCl 2  used, the stable dihalohydrin intermediate may be obtained as well.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     One embodiment of this invention relates to synthesis of olefins and, in particular, to stereospecific synthesis of tri- and tetra-substituted olefins. 
     The highly stereoselective construction of tri- and tetra-substituted olefins is currently one of the most challenging problems in synthetic organic chemistry. Tri- and tetra-substituted olefins are common structural units in almost every class of compounds, particularly natural products. Their synthesis is consequently of great importance to the pharmaceutical, agricultural, and fine chemical industries. However, there are few methods that can do this efficiently, economically, and with high stereoselectivity. Many extant procedures give poor yields, require expensive reagents, have inconvenient reaction conditions, produce undesirable by-products, and afford mixtures of isomers. Since the isomers and by-products may be hard to remove, impart undesirable chemical or physical properties, and have unwanted biological properties, these compounds must be separated by methods that can be costly, difficult to conduct on a large scale, and time consuming. 
     The literature provides some examples of methods for the synthesis of tri-substituted olefins. (See Tago et al.,  Organic Lett.,  2:1975–78 (2000); Ishino et al.,  Bull. Chem. Soc. Jpn.,  71:2669–72 (1998); Goumain et al.,  Synthesis,  6:984 (1999); and Kruper et al.,  J. Org. Chem.,  56:3323–29 (1991)). In addition, some previous examples exist for the synthesis of tetra-substituted olefins, such as α-halo acrylates. (See Takai et al.,  Bull. Chem. Soc. Jpn.,  53:1698–1702 (1980); Masahira et al.,  Synth. Commun.,  30:863–68 (2000); Terent&#39;ev et al.,  Russ. Chem. Bull.,  48:1121–27 (1999)). However, these methods tend to be inefficient due to lack of stereoselectivity or the need for a multi-step procedure. 
     Most frequently, Wittig and Horner-Wadsworth-Emmons (“HWE”) reactions are used in the synthesis of various olefins. (See Wadsworth et al.,  Org. React.,  25:73 (1977); Maryanoff et al.,  Chem. Rev.,  89:863 (1989); and Vedejs et al.,  Top. Stereochem.,  21:1 (1994)). But the construction of tri- and tetra-substituted alkenes is subject to the limitations of variable stereoselectivity, costly reagents, and low yields. 
     SUMMARY 
     One aspect of the current invention relates to an efficient synthesis method for the stereoselective production of tri- and tetra-substituted olefins in high yield. A single stereoisomer of (Z)-α-halo-α,β-unsaturated ester, also known as α-halo-(Z)-acrylate, is produced in a reaction between aldehydes and trihalogenated compounds such as trichloroacetate. Aldehydes in combination with dihalogenated propionates, as well as higher homologs of the dihalogenated propionates with longer carbon chains, also produce stereospecific results. These reactions are carried out in the presence of a reductant, such as 4 CrCl 2  or catalytic CrCl 2 , Mn, and chlorotrimethylsilane (“TMSCl”) in a polar solvent, preferably at ambient temperatures and under an inert atmosphere, such as an argon or nitrogen atmosphere. The same method produces tetra-substituted olefins of good stereoselectivity if ketones are used instead of aldehydes. Solvents that can be used for these reactions include tetrahydrofuran (“THF”), dimethylformamide (“DMF”), ethylene glycol dimethyl ether (“DME”), other polar solvents, and a mixture thereof. 
     In addition, using 2 equivalents of CrCl 2  rather than 4 produces the intermediate dihalohydrin compound in very high yield. Further conversion of the dihalohydrin to principally one stereoisomer of tri- or tetra-substituted olefin is possible by adding another 2 equivalents of CrCl 2 . Thus, in a single step, by varying the amount of CrCl 2 , the final product may be either the olefin or the dihalohydrin. The general scheme for this reaction is illustrated below. In this reaction scheme, X may be Cl, Br, F, an alkyl group, or an aryl group. R and R′ may be similar or different and may be alkyl, allyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aliphatic, or cycloaliphatic groups. The trihalogenated compound is illustrated as 1, the intermediate dihalohydrin is 2, and the substituted olefin is 3. 
     
       
                 
         
             
             
         
      
     
     As an example, remarkably high stereoselectivities are observed when acetophenone and methyl trichloroacetate are used to produce the tetra-substituted olefin in a 75:1 Z/E ratio. In another variation, the transformation of aldehyde to (E)-methacrylate using 2,2-dichloropropionate is unrivaled by conventional reagents for its stereoselectivity (greater than 99% of the (E)-isomer) and yield. 
     Although not wanting to be bound by theory, it is likely that the reaction mechanism involves the oxidative addition of Cr(II) into a C—Cl bond via two consecutive single electron transfers and subsequent addition to the aldehyde carbonyl. Subsequent E2-elimination of the resultant Reformatsky-type adduct 2 affords the α-haloacrylate 3. Of the possible anti-periplanar conformations illustrated below, conformer A is favored because it minimizes the steric interactions between the ester and R group. Selective metallation of the chloride furthest from the chromate ester ensures the observed stereochemistry. 
     
       
                 
         
             
             
         
      
     
     The synthesis of (Z)-halogenated tri- and tetra-substituted olefins is useful in the synthesis of various biologically active products by the method of transition metal mediated cross-coupling. Applications range from the preparation of α-amino acids, heterocycles, polymers, and aziridines to natural products and pharmaceuticals. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The results from a panel of representative substrates in the synthesis of tri-substituted olefins, or α-haloacrylates are summarized in Table 1 below. 
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Synthesis of (Z)-α-Haloacrylates 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Entry 
                 Aldehyde 
                 Acrylate 
                   
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 1 
                 
                   
                             
                     
                         
                         
                     
                   
                 
                 
                   
                             
                     
                         
                         
                     
                   
                 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 X-Cl, R = Me 
                  99 
               
               
                   
                   
                 X = F, R = Et 
                  98 
               
               
                 2 
                 
                   
                             
                     
                         
                         
                     
                   
                 
                 
                   
                             
                     
                         
                         
                     
                   
                 
                  99 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 3 
                 
                   
                             
                     
                         
                         
                     
                   
                 
                 
                   
                             
                     
                         
                         
                     
                   
                 
                  99 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 4 
                 
                   
                             
                     
                         
                         
                     
                   
                 
                 
                   
                             
                     
                         
                         
                     
                   
                 
                 100 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 5 
                 
                   
                             
                     
                         
                         
                     
                   
                 
                 
                   
                             
                     
                         
                         
                     
                   
                 
                  99 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 6 
                 
                   
                             
                     
                         
                         
                     
                   
                 
                 
                   
                             
                     
                         
                         
                     
                   
                 
                  98 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 7 
                 
                   
                             
                     
                         
                         
                     
                   
                 
                 
                   
                             
                     
                         
                         
                     
                   
                 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 X = Cl, R = Me 
                  98 
               
               
                   
                   
                 X = Br, R = Me 
                  98 
               
               
                   
                   
                 X = F, R = Et 
                  98 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 8 
                 
                   
                             
                     
                         
                         
                     
                   
                 
                 
                   
                             
                     
                         
                         
                     
                   
                 
                  99 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 9 
                 
                   
                             
                     
                         
                         
                     
                   
                 
                 
                   
                             
                     
                         
                         
                     
                   
                 
                  99 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 10 
                 
                   
                             
                     
                         
                         
                     
                   
                 
                 
                   
                             
                     
                         
                         
                     
                   
                 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 X = Cl 
                  99 
               
               
                   
                   
                 X = Br 
                  98 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 11 
                 
                   
                             
                     
                         
                         
                     
                   
                 
                 
                   
                             
                     
                         
                         
                     
                   
                 
                  98 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 12 
                 
                   
                             
                     
                         
                         
                     
                   
                 
                 
                   
                             
                     
                         
                         
                     
                   
                 
                  91 a   
               
               
                   
               
               
                   a Required 8 equiv of CrCl 2   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     Specifically, aliphatic aldehyde or secondary aldehyde, stirred with 4 equivalents of commercial CrCl 2  and methyl trichloroacetate at room temperature for 0.5 hours generates the corresponding (Z)-α-halo-α,β-unsaturated ester products shown in Table 1 under entries 1 and 2 respectively. Nuclear magnetic resonance (“NMR”) analysis of the crude reaction mixture does not detect any of the (E)-isomer, indicating better than 99% stereochemical purity. A catalytic CrCl 2  system, utilizing Mn powder to recycle chromium (III) to chromium (II), also produces a good yield of the desired products. 
     Illustrated in entries 3, 4, and 5 respectively, condensation of chiral carboxaldehyde, simple benzaldehyde, and cinnamaldehyde produces corresponding tri-substituted olefin compounds in high yield. Furthermore, neither the reaction rate nor yield are significantly influenced by electron donating or withdrawing substituents on the substrates, as shown in entries 7 and 10. The resulting products were present in high yield. The reaction is compatible with a variety of functional groups, including reactive bromine (entry 9), benzyloxy (entry 8), bis-methyleneoxy ether (entry 10), tertiary amine (entry 11) and secondary amine (entry 12). The transformation also proceeds smoothly with methyl tribromoacetate and p-anisaldehyde (entry 7, where X=Br and R=Me). All reaction products are present in high yield. 
     The standard stoichiometric reaction also works well for the synthesis of tetra-substituted olefins. Reacting methyl trihaloacetate with ketones gives good yield of the tetra-substituted halo esters in about a 1:5 ratio of (E) to (Z)-stereoisomers, but this ratio varies depending on the substrate. By isolating the alcohol product first by using 2 equivalents of CrCl 2 , then treating with an additional 2 equivalents of CrCl 2 , the stereochemical ratio may be increased up to 1:16 with some substrates. As a generalized illustration of the tetra-substituted synthetic methodology, results from reactions with different substrates are shown in Table 2 below. The synthesized tetra-substituted olefins, or adducts, are illustrated. 
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 2 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Olefination of ketones 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Entry 
                 Ketone 
                 Adduct 
                 Yield (%) 
                 E/Z 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 1 
                 
                   
                             
                     
                         
                         
                     
                   
                 
                 
                   
                             
                     
                         
                         
                     
                   
                 
                 95 
                 1/2.5 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 2 
                 
                   
                             
                     
                         
                         
                     
                   
                 
                 
                   
                             
                     
                         
                         
                     
                   
                 
                 98 
                 1/5 a   
               
               
                   
               
               
                 3 
                 
                   
                             
                     
                         
                         
                     
                   
                 
                 
                   
                             
                     
                         
                         
                     
                   
                 
                 95 
                 1/2.5 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 4 
                 
                   
                             
                     
                         
                         
                     
                   
                 
                 
                   
                             
                     
                         
                         
                     
                   
                 
                 93 
                 1/5 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   a Z/E 75:1 in THF/DMF (1:1) 
               
             
          
         
       
     
     As shown in entries 1, 2, 3, and 4 respectively, aliphatic ketone, aromatic ketone, conjugated ketone, and hindered ketone give rise to reaction products in excellent yield after the addition of methyl trihaloacetate. The tetra-substituted olefin of Entry 2 was synthesized at a Z/E ratio of 75:1 when the solvent used was a mixture of THF and DMF in equal parts, while the Z/E ratio of 5:1 was obtained in THF alone. 
     Using 2 equivalents of CrCl 2  at a reaction temperature of about 0° C., rather than 2 equivalents of CrCl 2  at about room temperature, allows the isolation of the intermediate dihalohydrin compounds in moderate to good yield as well. The results from a panel of representative substrates in the synthesis of dihalohydrins, or adducts, are summarized in Table 3 below. 
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 3 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Synthesis of dihalohydrin 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Entry 
                 Aldehyde 
                 Adduct 
                 Yield (%) 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 1 
                 
                   
                             
                     
                         
                         
                     
                   
                 
                 
                   
                             
                     
                         
                         
                     
                   
                 
                 82 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 2 
                 
                   
                             
                     
                         
                         
                     
                   
                 
                 
                   
                             
                     
                         
                         
                     
                   
                 
                 65 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 3 
                 
                   
                             
                     
                         
                         
                     
                   
                 
                 
                   
                             
                     
                         
                         
                     
                   
                 
                 84 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 4 
                 
                   
                             
                     
                         
                         
                     
                   
                 
                 
                   
                             
                     
                         
                         
                     
                   
                 
                 78 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 5 
                 
                   
                             
                     
                         
                         
                     
                   
                 
                 
                   
                             
                     
                         
                         
                     
                   
                 
                 75 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 6 
                 
                   
                             
                     
                         
                         
                     
                   
                 
                 
                   
                             
                     
                         
                         
                     
                   
                 
                 76 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     A variety of trihalogenated compounds, in addition to trichloroacetate, may be used to synthesize the substituted olefins, or adducts. As illustrated below in Table 4, these trihalogenated compounds include 2,2,2-trichloroacetamide (entries 1–2), 1,1,1-trichlorotoluene (entries 3–4), and 1,1,1-trichloroacetone (entries 5–6). In addition, entries 7 and 8 show the formation of substituted olefins in good yield with the use of α,α-dichloropropiophenone. 
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 4 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Olefinations using other trihalogenated compounds 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Entry 
                 Aldehyde 
                 Chloride 
                 Adduct 
                 Yield (%) 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 1 
                 
                   
                             
                     
                         
                         
                     
                   
                 
                 
                   
                             
                     
                         
                         
                     
                   
                 
                 
                   
                             
                     
                         
                         
                     
                   
                 
                 95 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 2 
                 
                   
                             
                     
                         
                         
                     
                   
                 
                 
                   
                             
                     
                         
                         
                     
                   
                 
                 
                   
                             
                     
                         
                         
                     
                   
                 
                 92 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 3 
                 
                   
                             
                     
                         
                         
                     
                   
                 
                 
                   
                             
                     
                         
                         
                     
                   
                 
                 
                   
                             
                     
                         
                         
                     
                   
                 
                 95 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 4 
                 
                   
                             
                     
                         
                         
                     
                   
                 
                 
                   
                             
                     
                         
                         
                     
                   
                 
                 
                   
                             
                     
                         
                         
                     
                   
                 
                 93 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 5 
                 
                   
                             
                     
                         
                         
                     
                   
                 
                 
                   
                             
                     
                         
                         
                     
                   
                 
                 
                   
                             
                     
                         
                         
                     
                   
                 
                 99 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 6 
                 
                   
                             
                     
                         
                         
                     
                   
                 
                 
                   
                             
                     
                         
                         
                     
                   
                 
                 
                   
                             
                     
                         
                         
                     
                   
                 
                 99 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 7 
                 
                   
                             
                     
                         
                         
                     
                   
                 
                 
                   
                             
                     
                         
                         
                     
                   
                 
                 
                   
                             
                     
                         
                         
                     
                   
                 
                 88 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 8 
                 
                   
                             
                     
                         
                         
                     
                   
                 
                 
                   
                             
                     
                         
                         
                     
                   
                 
                 
                   
                             
                     
                         
                         
                     
                   
                 
                 85 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     EXAMPLE 1 
     General Synthesis of Tri-substituted Olefins 
     Methyl trihaloacetate (1 mmol) and aldehyde (1 mmol) in THF (2 mL) were added to a stirring suspension of anhydrous CrCl 2  (4.5 mmol) in THF (8 mL) under argon at ambient temperature. After 0.5 hours, the resultant reddish reaction mixture was quenched with water, extracted three times with ether, and the combined ethereal extracts were evaporated in vacuo. Chromatographic purification on SiO2 resulted in (Z)-α-halo-α,β-unsaturated esters in the yields indicated in Table 1. 
     EXAMPLE 2 
     General Synthesis of Tri-substituted Olefins Using Catalytic Chromium 
     Methyl trihaloacetate (1 mmol) and aldehyde (1 mmol) in THF (2 mL) were added to a stirring suspension of anhydrous CrCl 2  (50 mol %), Mn power (4 mmol) and TMSCI (6 mmol) in THF (8 mL) under argon at ambient temperature. After 12 hours, the resultant reddish reaction mixture was quenched with water, extracted three times with ether, and the combined ethereal extracts were evaporated in vacuo. Chromatographic purification on SiO 2  resulted in (Z)-α-halo-α,β-unsaturated esters in yields comparable to those indicated in Table 1. 
     EXAMPLE 3 
     General Synthesis of Tetra-substituted Olefins 
     Methyl trihaloacetate (1 mmol) and ketone (1 mmol) in THF (2 mL) were added to a stirring suspension of anhydrous CrCl 2  (6 mmol) in THF (8 mL) under argon at ambient temperature. After 2 hours, the resultant reddish reaction mixture was quenched with water, extracted three times with ether, and the combined ethereal extracts were evaporated in vacuo. Chromatographic purification on SiO 2  resulted in (Z)-α-halo-α,β-unsaturated esters in the yields indicated in Table 2. 
     EXAMPLE 4 
     General Synthesis of Dihalohydrins 
     Methyl trihaloacetate (1 mmol) and aldehyde (1 mmol) in THF (2 mL) were added to a stirring suspension of anhydrous CrCl 2  (2.5 mmol) in THF (8 mL) under argon at 0° C. After 6 hours, the resultant reddish reaction mixture was quenched with water, extracted three times with ether, and the combined ethereal extracts were evaporated in vacuo. Chromatographic purification on SiO 2  gave the dihalohydrins, or adducts, shown in Table 3. 
     EXAMPLE 5 
     Synthesis of methyl 2-chloro-5-phenylpent-2(Z)-enoate 
     In accordance with the general procedure described in Example 1 above, ethyl dibromofluoroacetate and commercial hydrocinnamaldehyde were converted to methyl 2-chloro-5-phenylpent-2(Z)-enoate as an oil in the indicated yield for Entry 1, where X=Cl and R=Me, in Table 1. 
     R f : 0.75 (15% EtOAc in hexane).  1 H NMR (CDCI 3 , 400 MHz): δ 2.64–2.72 (m, 2H,—CH 2 —), 2.80 (t, 2H, J=7.6 Hz, Ph—CH 2 —), 3.81 (s, 3H, CO 2 CH 3 ), 7.01 (t, 1H, J=7.2 Hz), 7.18–7.26 (m, 3H), 7.28–7.34 (m, 2H).  13 C NMR (CDCI 3 , 75 MHz): δ 31.20, 33.83, 53.25, 125.23, 126.52, 128.49, 128.75, 140.65, 171.66,163.11. MS: m/z 224 (M + ), 226 (M + +2). 
     EXAMPLE 6 
     Synthesis of methyl 2-chloro-4-phenylpent-2(Z)-enoate 
     In accordance with the general procedure described in Example 1 above, commercial aliphatic branched aldehyde was converted to methyl 2-chloro-4-phenylpent-2(Z)-enoate as an oil in the indicated yield for Entry 2 in Table 1. 
     R f : 0.70 (15% EtOAc in hexane).  1 H NMR (CDCI 3 , 300 MHz): δ 1.44 (d, 3H, J=6.6 Hz, CH 3 ), 3.81 (s, 3H, CO 2 CH 3 ), 4.35–4.15 (m, 1H), 7.6 (d, 1H, J=9.6 Hz, CH═), 7.20–7.36 (m, 5H).  13 C NMR (CDCI 3 , 75 MHz): δ 20.10, 39.75, 53.29, 123.24, 127.13, 127.26, 128.98, 142.92, 146.15, 163.28. MS: m/z 224 (M + ), 226 (M + +2). 
     EXAMPLE 7 
     Synthesis of methyl 2-chloro-3-(2,2-dimethyl-[1,3]dioxolan-4(S)-yl)prop-2(Z)-enoate 
     In accordance with the general procedure described in Example 1 above, chiral glyceraldehyde was converted to methyl 2-chloro-3-(2,2-dimethyl-[1,3]dioxolan-4(S)-yl)prop-2(Z)-enoate as an oil in the indicated yield for Entry 3 in Table 1. 
     R f : 0.65 (15% EtOAc in hexane).  1 H NMR (CDCI 3 , 300 MHz): δ 1.41 (s, 3H, CH 3 ), 1.46 (s, 3H, CH 3 ), 3.71 (dd, 1H, J=6.6, 8.1 Hz), 3.85 (s, 3H, CO 2 CH 3 ), 4.30 (dd, 1H, J=6.6, 8.4 Hz), 5.02 (dd, 1H, J=6.6, 13.5 Hz), 7.12 (d, 1H, 6.9 Hz).  13 C NMR (CDCI 3 , 75 MHz): δ 25.71, 26.60, 53.53, 68.40, 73.52, 110.44, 125.63, 140.81, 162.33. MS: m/z 220 (M + ), 222 (M + +2). 
     EXAMPLE 8 
     Synthesis of methyl 2-chloro-3-phenyl-prop-2(Z)-enoate 
     In accordance with the general procedure described in Example 1 above, benzaldehyde was converted to methyl 2-chloro-3-phenyl-prop-2(Z)-enoate as an oil in the indicated yield for Entry 4 in Table 1. 
     R f : 0.70 (15% EtOAc in hexane).  1 H NMR (CDCI 3 , 300 MHz): δ 3.89 (s, 3H, CO 2 CH 3 ), 7.36–7.48 (m, 3H), 7.80–7.86 (m, 2H), 7.91 (s, 1H, Ph—CH═).  13 C NMR (CDCI 3 , 75 MHz): δ 53.55, 121.91, 128.72, 130.44, 130.83, 133.03, 137.42, 164.11. MS: m/z 196 (M + ), 198 (M + +2). 
     EXAMPLE 9 
     Synthesis of methyl 2-chloro-5-phenylpent-2(Z),4(E)-dienoate 
     In accordance with the general procedure described in Example 1 above, commercial cinnamaldehyde was converted to methyl 2-chloro-5-phenylpent-2(Z),4(E)-dienoate as an oil in the indicated yield for Entry 5 in Table 1. 
     R f : 0.72 (15% EtOAc in hexane).  1 H NMR (CDCI 3 , 300 MHz): δ 3.86 (s, 3H, CO 2 CH 3 ), 7.00 (d, 1H, J=15.9 Hz), 7.19 (dd, 1H, J=10.8, 15.3 Hz), 7.30–7.40 (m, 3H), 7.46–7.54 (m, 2H), 7.62 (d, 1H, J=10.8 Hz).  13 C NMR (CDCI 3 , 75 MHz): δ 53.28, 122.3, 123.04, 127.73, 129.05, 129.74, 136.03, 138.23, 142.41, 163.67. MS: m/Z 222 (M + ), 224 (M + +2). 
     EXAMPLE 10 
     Synthesis of methyl 2-chloro-3-(4-trifluoromethylphenyl)prop-2(Z)-enoate 
     In accordance with the general procedure described in Example 1 above, commercial p-trifluoromethylbenzaldehyde was converted to methyl 2-chloro-3-(4-trifluoromethylphenyl)prop-2(Z)-enoate as an oil in the indicated yield for Entry 6 in Table 1. 
     R f : 0.73 (15% EtOAc in hexane).  1 H NMR (CDCI 3 , 300 MHz): δ 3.93 (s, 3H, CO 2 CH 3 ), 7.68 (d, 2H, J=8.4 Hz), 7.91 (d, 2H, J=8.4 Hz), 7.93 (s, 1H).  13 C NMR (CDCI 3 , 75 MHz): δ 54.22, 124.84, 126.01, 126.11, 131.27, 136.17, 136.87, 164.04. MS: m/z 264 (M + ), 266 (M + +2). 
     EXAMPLE 11 
     Synthesis of methyl 2-chloro-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)prop-2(Z)-enoate 
     In accordance with the general procedure described in Example 1 above, ethyl dibromofluoroacetate and commercial p-methoxybenzaldehyde were converted to methyl 2-chloro-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)prop-2(Z)-enoate as an oil in the indicated yield for Entry 7, where X=Cl and R=Me, in Table 1. 
     R f : 0.68 (15% EtOAc in hexane).  1 H NMR (CDCI 3 , 300 MHz): δ 3.84 (s, 3H, CO 2 CH 3 ), 3.88 (s, 3H,—OCH 3 ), 6.94 (d, 2H, J=8.7 Hz), 7.85 (d, 2H, J=8.7 Hz), 7.86 (s, 1H).  13 C NMR (CDCI 3 , 75 MHz): δ 53.41, 55.53, 114.18, 119.30, 125.70, 132.91, 137.00,161.34, 164.41. MS: m/z 226 (M + ), 228 (M + +2). 
     EXAMPLE 12 
     Synthesis of methyl 2-bromo-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)prop-2(Z)-enoate 
     In accordance with the general procedure described in Example 1 above, ethyl dibromofluoroacetate and commercial p-methoxybenzaldehyde were converted to methyl 2-bromo-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)prop-2(Z)-enoate as an oil in the indicated yield for Entry 7, where X=Br and R=Me, in Table 1. 
     R f : 0.69 (15% EtOAc in hexane).  1 H NMR (CDCI 3 , 300 MHz): δ 3.84 (s, 3H, CO 2 CH 3 ), 3.88 (s, 3H,—OCH 3 ), 6.94 (d, 2H, J=9.0 Hz), 7.90 (d, 2H, J=9.0 Hz), 8.17 (s, 1H).  13 C NMR (CDCI 3 , 75 MHz): δ 53.41, 55.53, 114.18, 119.30, 125.70, 132.91, 137.00, 161.34, 164.41. MS: m/z 226 (M + ), 228 (M + +2). 
     EXAMPLE 13 
     Synthesis of methyl 2-chloro-3-(4-benzyloxy-3-methoxyphenyl)prop-2(Z)-enoate 
     In accordance with the general procedure described in Example 1 above, commercial 4-benzyloxy-3-methoxy-benzaldehyde was converted to methyl 2-chloro-3-(4-benzyloxy-3-methoxyphenyl)prop-2(Z)-enoate as an oil in the indicated yield for Entry 8 in Table 1. 
     R f : 0.55 (15% EtOAc in hexane).  1 H NMR (CDCI 3 , 400 MHz): δ 3.89 (s, 3H,—CO 2 CH 3 ), 3.93 (s, 3H,—OCH 3 ), 5.21 (s, 2H), 6.91 (d, 1H, J=8.4 Hz), 7.28–7.40 (m, 4H), 7.43 (d, 2H, J=7.2 Hz), 7.57 (s, 1H), 7.84 (s, 1H).  13 C NMR (CDCI 3 , 75 MHz): δ 53.46,56.19,70.92, 113.16, 113.73, 119.47, 125.42, 126.23, 127.37, 128.23, 128.84, 136.64, 137.15, 149.33, 150.23, 164.35. MS: m/z 332 (M + ), 334 (M + +2). 
     EXAMPLE 14 
     Synthesis of methyl 2-chloro-3-(3-bromophenyl)prop-2(Z)-enoate 
     In accordance with the general procedure described in Example 1 above, commercial 3-bromo-benzaldehyde was converted to methyl 2-chloro-3-(3-bromophenyl)prop-2(Z)-enoate as an oil in the indicated yield for Entry 9 in Table 1. 
     R f : 0.71 (15% EtOAc in hexane).  1 H NMR (CDCI 3 , 300 MHz): δ 3.91 (s, 3H, CO 2 CH 3 ), 7.30 (t, 1H, J=7.80 Hz), 7.50–7.55 (m, 1H), 7.70–7.75 (m, 1H), 7.83 (s, 1H), 7.98 (t, 1H, J=1.8 Hz).  13 C NMR (CDCI 3 , 75 MHz): δ 53.70, 122.77, 123.40, 129.31, 130.21, 133.24, 133.30, 135.0, 135.76, 163.68. MS: m/z 274 (M + ), 276 (M + +2). 
     EXAMPLE 15 
     Synthesis of methyl 2-chloro-3-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)prop-2(Z)-enoate 
     In accordance with the general procedure described in Example 1 above, commercial benzaldehyde with a methylenedioxy group was converted to methyl 2-chloro-3-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)prop-2(Z)-enoate as an oil in the indicated yield for Entry 10 in Table 1, where X=Cl. 
     R f : 0.65 (15% EtOAc in hexane).  1 H NMR (CDCI 3 , 300 MHz): δ 3.89 (s, 3H, CO 2 CH 3 ), 6.03 (s, 4H), 6.86 (d, 1H, J=8.4 Hz), 7.27 (dd, 1H, J=1.5, 7.2 Hz), 7.59 (d, 1H, J=1.8 Hz), 7.82 (s, 1H). MS: m/z 240 (M + ), 242 (M + +2). 
     EXAMPLE 16 
     Synthesis of methyl 2-bromo-3-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)prop-2(Z)-enoate 
     In accordance with the general procedure described in Example 1 above, commercial benzaldehyde with a methylenedioxy group was converted to methyl 2-bromo-3-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)prop-2(Z)-enoate as an oil in the indicated yield for Entry 10 in Table 1, where X =Br. 
     R f : 0.48 (15% EtOAc in hexane).  1 H NMR (300 MHz) δ 3.89 (s, 3H), 6.03,(s, 2H), 6.85 (d, 1H, J=8.1 Hz), 7.28–7.32 (m, 1H), 7.65 (d, 1H, J=1.8 Hz), 8.13 (s, 1H);  13 C NMR (75 MHz) δ 53.72, 101.87, 108.56, 109.67, 110.21, 127.28, 140.80, 147.89, 149.65, 164.26; MS m/z 284 (M + ), 288 (M + +2). 
     EXAMPLE 17 
     Synthesis of methyl 2-chloro-3-(4-dimethylaminophenyl)prop-2(Z)-enoate 
     In accordance with the general procedure described in Example 1 above, commercial 4-dimethylaminobenzaldehyde was converted to methyl 2-chloro-3-(4-dimethylaminophenyl)prop-2(Z)-enoate as an oil in the indicated yield for Entry 11 in Table 1. 
     R f : 0.45 (15% EtOAc in hexane).  1 H NMR (CDCI 3 , 300 MHz): δ 3.04 (s, 6H), 3.87 (s, 3H, CO 2 CH 3 ), 6.68 (d, 2H, J=9.0 Hz), 7.83 (s, 1H), 7.40 (d, 2H, J=9.0 Hz).  13 C NMR (CDCI 3 , 75 MHz): δ 40.22, 53.29, 111.54, 116.14, 120.76, 133.11, 137.78, 151.70, 164.98. MS: m/z 239 (M + ), 241 (M + +2). 
     EXAMPLE 18 
     Synthesis of methyl 2-chloro-3-(1H-indol-2-yl)prop-2(Z)-enoate 
     In accordance with the general procedure described in Example 1 above, commercial indole aldehyde was converted to methyl 2-chloro-3-(1H-indol-2-yl)prop-2(Z)-enoate as an oil in the indicated yield for Entry 12 in Table 1. 
     R f : 0.35 (15% EtOAc in hexane).  1 H NMR (CDCI 3 , 300 MHz): δ 3.92 (s, 3H,—CO 2 CH 3 ), 7.20–7.36 (m, 2H), 7.44 (d, 1H, J=7.2 Hz), 7.81 (d, 1H, J=7.5 Hz), 8.31 (s, 1H), 8.32 (d, 1H, J=4.2 Hz), 8.81 (bs, 1H).  13 C NMR (CDCI 3 , 75 MHz): δ 53.30,110.97,111.79,117.20,118.60,121.59,123.67, 127.77, 128.76, 129.46, 135.43, 164.67. MS: m/z 235 (M + ), 237 (M + +2). 
     EXAMPLE 19 
     Synthesis of methyl 2-chloro-3-methyl-undec-2-enoate 
     In accordance with the general procedure described in Example 3 above, commercial ketone was converted to methyl 2-chloro-3-methyl-undec-2-enoate and as a colorless liquid in the indicated yield for Entry 1 in Table 2. 
     R f : 0.77 (15% EtOAc in hexane).  1 H NMR (CDCI 3 , 300 MHz):(Major isomer)(AK-I-208-18): δ 0.88 (t, 3H, J=6.9 Hz), 1.24–1.34 (m, 10H), 1.43–1.51 (m, 2H), 2.10 (s, 3H,—CH3), 2.50–2.55(m, 2H), 3.80 (s, 3H, CO 2 CH 3 ).  13 C NMR (CDCI 3 , 75 MHz): δ 14.30, 22.66, 22.86, 28.38, 29.42, 29.58, 29.77, 32.06, 36.19, 52.65, 118.22, 151.75, 164.07. MS: m/z 246 (M + ), 248 (M + +2).  1 H NMR (CDCI 3 , 300 MHz):(Minor isomer)(AK-I-208–20): δ 0.88 (t, 3H, J=6.9 Hz), 1.24–1.26 (m, 10H), 1.43–1.53 (m, 2H), 2.15 (s, 3H,—CH 3 ), 2.34–2.39 (m, 2H), 3.80 (s, 3H, CO 2 CH 3 ).  13 C NMR (CDCI 3 , 75 MHz): δ 14.29, 21.22, 22.85, 26.81, 29.38, 29.57, 29.75, 32.05, 38.10, 52.66, 117.74, 151.80, 164.07. MS: m/z 246 (M + ), 248 (M + +2). 
     EXAMPLE 20 
     Synthesis of methyl 2-chloro-3-phenyl-but-2-enoate 
     In accordance with the general procedure described in Example 3 above, commercial acetophenone was converted to methyl 2-chloro-3-phenyl-but-2-enoate as a colorless liquid in the indicated yield for Entry 2 in Table 2. 
     R f : 0.65 (15% EtOAc in hexane).  1 H NMR (CDCI 3 , 300 MHz):(Major isomer): δ 2.29 (s, 3H,—CH3), 3.53 (s, 3H, CO 2 CH 3 ), 7.14–7.17 (m, 2H), 7.30–7.40 (m, 3H).  13 C NMR (CDCI 3 , 75 MHz): δ 23.84, 52.64, 120.00, 126.91, 128.21, 128.47, 141.05, 146.38, 164.69. MS: m/z 210 (M + ), 212 (M + +2).  1 H NMR (CDCI 3 , 300 MHz):(Minor isomer): δ 2.42 (s, 3H,—CH 3 ), 3.87 (s, 3H, CO 2 CH 3 ), 7.14–7.17 (m, 2H), 7.30–7.40 (m, 3H).  13 C NMR (CDCI 3 , 75 MHz): δ 23.71, 52.96, 120.00, 127.16, 128.17, 128.53, 141.05, 146.38, 164.69. MS: m/z 210 (M + ), 212 (M + +2). 
     EXAMPLE 21 
     Synthesis of methyl 2-chloro-3-cyclohex-1-enyl-but-2-enoate 
     In accordance with the general procedure described in Example 3 above, commercial ketone was converted to methyl 2-chloro-3-cyclohex-1-enyl-but-2-enoate as an oil in the indicated yield for Entry 3 in Table 2. 
     R f : 0.71 (15% EtOAc in hexane).  1 H NMR (CDCI 3 , 300 MHz):( Major isomer): δ 1.56–1.75 (m,4H), 1.98 (s, 3H,—CH 3 ), 2.00–2.12 (m, 4H), 3.73 (s, 3H, CO 2 CH 3 ), 5.43–5.46 (m, 1H).  1 H NMR (CDCI 3 , 300 MHz):(Minor isomer): δ 1.56–1.75 (m, 4H), 2.00–2.12 (m, 4H), 2.18 (s, 3H,—CH 3 ) 3.82 (s, 3H, CO 2 CH 3 ), 5.49–5.52 (m, 1H). 
     EXAMPLE 22 
     Synthesis of methyl 2-chloro-3-methyl-5-(2,6,6-trimethyl-cyclohex-2-Enyl)-penta-2,4-dienoate 
     In accordance with the general procedure described in Example 3 above, commercial α-ionone was converted to methyl 2-chloro-3-methyl-5-(2,6,6-trimethyl-cyclohex-2-enyl)-penta-2,4-dienoate as a colorless liquid in the indicated yield for Entry 4 in Table 2. 
     R f : 0.71 (15% EtOAc in hexane).  1 H NMR (CDCI 3 , 300 MHz):(Major isomer): δ 0.82 (s, 3H,—CH 3 ), 0.91 (s, 3H,—CH 3 ), 1.17–1.24 (m, 2H), 1.39–1.49 (m, 1H), 1.58–1.59 (m, 3H), 2.00–2.06 (m, 2H), 2.14 (s, 3H), 2.25 (d, 1H, J=9.6 Hz), 3.83 (s, 3H, CO 2 CH 3 ), 5.44 (br s, 1H), 5.90 (dd, 1H, J=9.6, 15.6 Hz), 7.10 (d, 1H, J=15.6 Hz).  13 C NMR (CDCI 3 , 75 MHz): δ 18.22, 23.07, 23.27, 27.97, 31.78, 32.66, 52.82, 55.25, 119.82, 121.72, 129.04, 133.67, 139.16, 144.94, 164.25. MS: m/z 282 (M + ), 284 (M + +2).  1 H NMR (CDCI 3 , 300 MHz):(Minor isomer): δ 0.82 (s, 3H,—CH 3 ), 0.92 (s, 3H,—CH 3 ), 1.18–1.27 (m, 2H), 1.40–1.51 (m, 1H), 1.56–1.61 (m, 3H), 2.00–2.08 (m, 2H), 2.22 (s, 3H), 2.31 (d, 1H, J=9.6 Hz), 3.83 (s, 3H, CO 2 CH 3 ), 5.46 (br s, 1H), 6.00 (dd, 1H, J=9.6, 15.6 Hz), 6.77 (d, 1H, J=15.6 Hz). 
     EXAMPLE 23 
     Synthesis of methyl 2,2-dichloro-3-hydroxy-3-phenylpropenoate 
     In accordance with the general procedure described in Example 4 above, commercial benzaldehyde was converted to methyl 2,2-dichloro-3-hydroxy-3-phenylpropenoate in the indicated yield for Entry 1 in Table 3. 
     Mp 63–64° C.;  1 H NMR (CDCl 3 , 300 MHz): δ 3.50 (d, 1H, J=5.4 Hz), 3.85 (s, 3H), 5.38 (d, 1H, J=5.4 Hz), 7.33–7.38 (m, 3H), 7.47–7.51 (m, 2H);  13 C NMR (CDCl 3 , 75 MHz) d 54.77, 78.82, 86.14, 127.93, 128.93, 129.29, 135.55, 166.62. 
     EXAMPLE 24 
     Synthesis of methyl 2,2-dibromo-3-hydroxy-3-phenylpropanoate 
     In accordance with the general procedure described in Example 4 above, commercial benzaldehyde was converted to methyl 2,2-dibromo-3-hydroxy-3-phenylpropanoate in the indicated yield for Entry 2 in Table 3. 
     R f : 0.44 (30% EtOAc in hexane); mp 58–60° C.;  1 H NMR (300 MHz) δ 3.45 (d, 1H, J=4.8 Hz), 3.83 (s, 3H), 5.25 (d, 1H, J=4.8 Hz), 7.27–7.32 (m, 3H), 7.49–7.53 (m, 2H);  13 C NMR (75 MHz) δ 54.97, 65.30, 78.92, 127.82, 129.30, 129.33, 136.28, 167.36; MS m/z 336 (M + ), 338 (M + +2), 340 (M + +4); HRMS (CI, CH 4 ) calculated for C 10 H 11 Br 2 O 3  (M + +1) m/z 336.9075, found 336.9077. 
     EXAMPLE 25 
     Synthesis of methyl 2,2-dichloro-3-hydroxy-5-phenylpentanoate 
     In accordance with the general procedure described in Example 4 above, commercial aliphatic aldehyde was converted to methyl 2,2-dichloro-3-hydroxy-5-phenylpentanoate in the indicated yield for Entry 3 in Table 3. 
     R f : 0.26 (20% EtOAc in hexane); mp 53–54° C.; 1H NMR (400 MHz) δ 1.91–2.01 (m, 1H), 2.16–2.24 (m, 1H), 2.66 (d, 1H, J=6.4 Hz), 2.71–2.78 (m, 1H), 2.94–3.01 (m, 1H), 3.88 (s, 3H), 4.19–4.23 (m, 1H), 7.21–7.32 (m, 5H);  13 C NMR (75 MHz) δ 32.00, 32.76, 54.73, 76.68, 86.65, 126.37, 128.67, 128.72, 141.14, 166.56; MS m/z 276 (M + ), 278 (M + +2), 230 (M + +4); HRMS (CI, CH 4 ) calculated for C 12 H 15 Cl 2 O 3  (M + +1) m/z 277.0398, found 277.0392. 
     EXAMPLE 26 
     Synthesis of methyl 2,2-dichloro-3-hydroxy-5-phenylpent-4(E)-enoate 
     In accordance with the general procedure described in Example 4 above, commercial cinnamaldehyde was converted to methyl 2,2-dichloro-3-hydroxy-5-phenylpent-4(E)-enoate in the indicated yield for Entry 4 in Table 3. 
     R f : 0.27 (20% EtOAc in hexane); mp 45–47° C.;  1 H NMR (400 MHz) δ 2.90 (d, 1H, J=6.6 Hz), 3.92 (s, 3H), 4.96 (t, 1H, J=6.0 Hz), 6.35 (dd, 1H, J=15.6, 6.3 Hz), 6.82 (d, 1H, J=15.6 Hz), 7.28–7.44 (m, 5H);  13 C NMR (75 MHz) δ 54.84, 78.31, 85.88, 123.24, 127.08, 128.70, 128.88, 135.96, 136.31, 166.27; MS m/z 274 (M + ), 276 (M + +2), 278 (M + +4); HRMS (CI, CH 4 ) calculated for C 12 H 13 Cl 2 O 3  (M + +1) m/z 275.0242, found 275.0245. 
     EXAMPLE 27 
     Synthesis of methyl 2,2-dichloro-3-(2,2-dimethyl-[1,3]dioxolan-4(R)-yl)-3-hydroxypropanoate 
     In accordance with the general procedure described in Example 4 above, commercial chiral glyceraldehyde was converted to methyl 2,2-dichloro-3-(2,2-dimethyl-[1,3]dioxolan-4(R)-yl)-3-hydroxypropanoate in the indicated yield for Entry 5 in Table 3. 
     Major isomer: R f : 0.70 (50% EtOAc in hexane); mp 102–103° C.;  1 H NMR (400 MHz) δ 1.30 (s, 3H), 1.35 (s, 3H), 3.09 (d, 1H, J=5.1 Hz), 3.86 (s, 3H), 4.07–4.18 (m, 2H), 4.24–4.33 (m, 2H);  13 C NMR (75 MHz) δ 25.05, 26.25, 54.61, 66.80, 75.36, 78.00, 87.05, 110.14, 165.59; HRMS (CI, CH 4 ) calculated for C 9 H 15 Cl 2 O 5  (M + +1) m/z 273.0296, found 273.0297. Minor isomer: R f : 0.77 (50% EA in hexane); mp 34–35° C.;  1 H NMR (400 MHz) δ 1.39 (s, 3H), 1.42 (s, 3H), 3.42 (d, 1H, J=9.3 Hz), 3.85–3.91 (m, 4H), 4.16–4.22 (m, 2H), 4.51–4.56 (m, 1H);  13 C NMR (75 MHz) δ 25.83, 26.17, 54.82, 68.07, 72.94, 76.18, 84.89, 110.71, 165.64; MS m/z 272 (M + ), 274 (M + +2), 276 (M + +4); HRMS (CI, CH 4 ) calculated for C 9 H 15 Cl 2 O 5  (M + +1) m/z 273.0296, found 273.0299. 
     EXAMPLE 28 
     Synthesis of ethyl 2,2-difluoro-3-hydroxy-5-phenylpentanoate 
     In accordance with the general procedure described in Example 4 above, hydrocinnamaldehyde and ethyl difluorobromoacetate were converted to ethyl 2,2-difluoro-3-hydroxy-5-phenylpentanoate in the indicated yield for Entry 6 in Table 3. 
       1 H NMR (CDCl 3 , 300 MHz): δ 1.27 (t, 3H, J=7.2 Hz), 1.75–2.00 (m, 2H), 2.10 (d, 1H, J=6.9 Hz), 2.61–2.71 (m, 1H), 2.81–2.91 (m, 1H), 3.88–4.02 (m, 1H), 4.26 (q, 2H, J=7.2 Hz), 7.10–7.27 (m, 5H).  13 C NMR (CDCl 3 , 75 MHz): d 14.13, 30.91, 31.39, 63.32,70.81, 71.17, 71.50, 126.45, 128.68, 128.78, 140.94. 
     EXAMPLE 29 
     Synthesis of 2-chloro-3-phenyl-prop-2(Z)-enamide 
     In accordance with the general procedure described in Example 1 above, benzaldehyde and commercial 2,2,2-trichloroacetamide were converted to 2-chloro-3-phenyl-acrylamide as a colorless liquid in the indicated yield for Entry 1 in Table 4. Its spectral data were in agreement with values found in the literature. See Kruper, William J., Jr. and Emmons, Albert H.,  J. Org. Chem.,  56: 3323–29 (1991). 
     EXAMPLE 30 
     Synthesis of 2-chloro-3-phenyl-pent-2(Z)-enamide 
     In accordance with the general procedure described in Example 1 above, hydrocinnamaldehyde and commercial 2,2,2-trichloroacetamide were converted to 2-chloro-3-phenyl-pent-2(Z)-enamide in the indicated yield for Entry 2 in Table 4. 
     R f : 0.20 (30% EtOAc in hexane);  1 H NMR (CDCl 3 , 400 MHz) δ 2.58 (q, 2H, J=7.3 Hz), 3.81 (t, 2H, J=7.3 Hz), 5.63 (bs, 1H), 6.46 (bs, 1H), 7.16–7.38 (m, 6H). 
     EXAMPLE 31 
     Synthesis of α-chloro-(Z)-stilbene 
     In accordance with the general procedure described in Example 1 above, benzaldehyde and commercial 1,1,1-trichlorotoluene were converted to α-chloro-(Z)-stilbene in the indicated yield for Entry 3 in Table 4. Its spectral data were in agreement with values found in the literature. See Kokubo et al.,  J. Org. Chem.,  61: 6941–46 (1996). 
     EXAMPLE 32 
     Synthesis of 1-chloro-1,4-diphenyl-1(Z)-butene 
     In accordance with the general procedure described in Example 1 above, hydrocinnamaldehyde and commercial 1,1,1-trichlorotoluene were converted to 1-chloro-1,4-diphenyl-1(Z)-butene in the indicated yield for Entry 4 in Table 4. Its spectral data were in agreement with values found in the literature. See Reich et al.,  J. Org. Chem.,  43: 2402–10 (1978). 
     EXAMPLE 33 
     Synthesis of 3-chloro-4-phenyl-but-3(Z)-en-2-one 
     In accordance with the general procedure described in Example 1 above, benzaldehyde and commercial 1,1,1-trichloroacetone were converted to 3-Chloro-4-phenyl-but-3(Z)-en-2-one in the indicated yield for Entry 5 in Table 4. Its spectral data were in agreement with values found in the literature. See Schlosser, M. and Christmann, K. F.,  Synthesis,  1:38–39 (1969). 
     EXAMPLE 34 
     Synthesis of 3-chloro-6-phenyl-hex-3(Z)-en-2-one 
     In accordance with the general procedure described in Example 1 above, hydrocinnamaldehyde and commercial 1,1,1-trichloroacetone were converted to 3-chloro-6-phenyl-hex-3(Z)-en-2-one in the indicated yield for Entry 6 in Table 4. Its spectral data were in agreement with values found in the literature. See Satoh et al.,  Tetrahedron Letters,  33: 1483–84 (1992). 
     EXAMPLE 35 
     Synthesis of 2-methyl-1,3-diphenyl-2(E)-propen-1-one 
     In accordance with the general procedure described in Example 1 above, benzaldehyde and commercial α,α,-dichloropropiophenone were converted to 2-methyl-1,3-diphenyl-2(E)-propen-1-one in the indicated yield for Entry 7 in Table 4. Its spectral data were in agreement with values found in the literature. See Aoki et al.,  Synlett,  10: 1071–72 (1995). 
     EXAMPLE 36 
     Synthesis of 2-methyl-1,5-diphenyl-pent-2(E)-en-1-one 
     In accordance with the general procedure described in Example 1 above, hydrocinnamaldehyde and commercial α,α,-dichloropropiophenone were converted to 2-Methyl-1,5-diphenyl-pent-2(E)-en-1-one in the indicated yield for Entry 8 in Table 4. Its spectral data were in agreement with values found in the literature. See Ishihara et al.,  Synlett,  5: 597–99 (1997).