A synthesis of (1E,3E)-TMS dienes from keto-xanthates via Chugaev-type elimination.

An efficient route leading to exclusively (1E,3E)-TMS dienes is described. Radical xanthate addition of keto-xanthates to vinyltrimethylsilane followed by one-pot Chugaev elimination/cyclization and in situ oxidation with m-CPBA afforded the corresponding TMS 2-sulfolenes. Isomerization to 3-sulfolenes by the action of DBU with the extrusion of sulfur dioxide in refluxing toluene gave the titled (1E,3E)-TMS dienes.