Silyl ketone chemistry

A series of silyl ketones has been prepared by appropriate manipulation of ⇌-silylated allenol ethers. Among the compounds prepared were alkenyl, alkynyl and acyl silyl ketones. The spectroscopic properties of representative members of these classes of compounds have been measured, and some of their chemical reactions studied Diels-Alder cycloadditions of vinyl and alkynyl silyl ketones proceed smoothly, and can be used to prepare new types of silyl ketones. Several examples of reactions with organolithium reagents are given; the process can be an effective route to enol silyl ethers with absolute regiochemical control.