Regioselective Synthesis of the Bridged Tricyclic Core of <i>Garcinia </i>Natural Products via Intramolecular Aryl Acrylate Cycloadditions

Abstract

Two different routes to the tricyclic core of Garcinia-derived natural products are described. The first approach is based on a tandem Claisen/Diels−Alder rearrangement and delivers the desired lactone 14. The second approach, employing a Wessely oxidation/Diels−Alder protocol, leads to the same caged heterocycle, albeit with modified constitution.