The 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of nitrones to vinyl ethers is accelerated by
Ti(IV) species. The efficiency of the catalyst parallels its complexation
capacity. The use of Ti((PrO)-Pr-i)(2)Cl-2 favours the formation of trans c
ycloadducts, presumably through an endo bidentate complex, in which the met
al atom is simultaneously coordinated to the vinyl ether and to the cyclic
nitrone or the Z isomer of the acyclic nitrones. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science
Ltd. All rights reserved.