Synthesis of 3,4,5-trisubstituted cyclohexanones by cycloaddition to solid phase 2-aminobutadienes

[4+2] Cycloaddition of maleimides and nitrostyrenes to resin bound 4-substituted-2-aminobutadienes gives, after cleavage, 3,4,5-trisubstituted cyclohexanones in moderate to good yields and high purities. The reaction occurs under mild conditions and has been automated on the ACT 496 synthesiser. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.