Base-Catalyzed [1,n]‑ProtonShifts in Conjugated Polyenyl Alcohols and Ethers

The isomerization of dienyl alcohols and polyenyl alkyl ethers catalyzed by TBD (1,5,7-triazabicyclo[4.4.0]dec-5-ene) under metal-free conditions is presented. Two reaction pathways have been observed. For dienyl alcohols, the reaction proceeds by a [1,3]-proton shift to give gamma,delta-unsaturated ketones exclusively. On the other hand, the reaction with polyenyl alkyl ethers gives the corresponding conjugated vinyl ethers in good yields (up to 85%), with regioselectivities up to >20:1. Experimental and computational investigations suggest that the mechanism proceeds through consecutive "chain-walking" proton shifts ("base walk") mediated by TBD.