Direct C-lithiation of β-functionally-substituted acrylates yields versatile building units for syntheses of butenolides, tetronates, cyclopentenones and derivatives, which are portions of many natural products. A wide variety of α-and β-substituents are compatible with this lithiation: alkyl-, aryl-and electron donating substituents in α-position or for instance an electron withdrawing ester group in β-position. Lithiation of aminomethylene malonitrile ...
