Competing Regiodirecting Effects of Ester and Aryl Groups in [3+3] Cyclocondensations of 1,3-Bis(trimethylsilyloxy)-1,3-butadienes: Regioselective Synthesis of 3-Hydroxyphthalates and 2-Hydroxyterephthalates
3-Hydroxy-5-methylphthalates are prepared by regioselective chelation-controlled cyclization of 1,3-bis(silyloxy)-1,3-butadienes with 4-silyloxy-2-oxo-3-butenoates derived from acetylpyruvates. The employment of silylated benzoylpyruvates instead of acetylpyruvates results hi a regioselectivity change and the formation of 6-aryl-2-hydroxyterephthalates. The cyclization of 1,3-bis(silyloxy)-1,3-butadienes with 4-ethoxy-2-oxo-3-butenoates, readily available by condensation of enol ethers with methyl 2-chloro-2-oxoacetate, provides a convenient approach to 2-hydroxyterephthalates and 3-hydroxyphthalates depending on the substitution pattern of the diene.