Abstract

Stereoselective synthesis of new C-C bonds is one of the main objectives of organic chemistry. In this field, silyl activation of alkenes is a useful organic tool in a huge number of Lewis acid promoted reactions due to the ability of the silicon to stabilize neighboring cations. This review summarizes the Lewis acid promoted addition of silyl enol ethers and allylsilanes to epoxides and other small oxygenated rings, which has proved to be an efficient method of synthesis of asymmetric alcohols and other target compounds.

Keywords: Alcohol, allylsilane, allylsiloxane, biomimetic cyclization, bishomoallylic alcohol, lactone, oxetane, oxirane, γ-hydroxyketone, propargylsilane.