Activated cycloheptenone dienophiles. A versatile approach to 6,7-fused ring targets

Abstract

Several 2-carbalkoxy-2-cyclohepten-1-ones were prepared and their Diels–Alder characteristics examined in order to develop a facile general approach to the synthesis of cycloheptane ring-containing polycyclic natural products. Substitution pattern on the seven-membered ring was found to greatly affect the Diels–Alder behavior. In addition, some extraordinary facial stereoselectivity was observed. Keywords: Diels–Alder reaction, 2-carbalkoxy-2-cyclohepten-1-ones, 6,7-fused ring system.