Abstract: A variety of butenolides were prepared by cyclization of bis(silyl enol ethers), such as 1,3-bis(silyloxy)-1,3-butadienes, 1,3-bis(trimethylsilyloxy)alk-1-enes or 1,1-bis(silyloxy)ketene acetals, with oxalyl chloride. The products are of pharmacological relevance.

Review: Synlett 2006, 3369-3381.

Period of investigation: 1999 – 2009

Keywords: silyl enol ethers; cyclizations; heterocycles