A continuing research program designed to investigate new approaches to nucleophilic conjugate addition is proposed. Conceptually it will be tested whether or not charge-directed 1,4-addition reactions are facilitated by carbonyl-deactivation in unsaturated systems using deactivators such as: silylated carboxylates, enolates, sulfenylated enolates and transition metallates. New approaches to sterically directed conjugate addition, with and without Lewis acid catalysts, will be examined. Complex ring construction through lithium-halogen exchange-initiated cyclization reactions will also be explored. The facilities available to Professor Cooke are suitable for the research to be conducted, and the prior results of the Principal Investigator demonstrate his ability to make use of the equipment and facilities.
