In order to achieve selective y-substitution of a $-unsaturated esters, we investigated the directive effect of silicon in the reaction of various electrophiles with a-trimethylsilyl P, y- unsaturated esters. These esters were prepared by nickel-catalyzed vinylation reactions of the lithium enolate of ethyl a-(trimethylsily1) acetate. The a-silyl P, y-unsaturated esters reacted with a variety of electrophiles (aldehydes, ketones, acetals, ketals, acid chlorides, ...
