Efficient synthesis of bicyclo[5.3.0]decatrienones and of 2-tetralones via rhodium(<scp>II</scp>) acetate-catalysed cyclisation of α-diazoketones derived from 3-arylpropionic acids

Abstract

Rhodium (II) acetate-catalysed cyclisation of α-diazoketones derived from 3-arylpropionic acid produces bicyclo[5.3.0]decatrienones or 2-tetralones depending on the substitution pattern of the aryl ring: the former products are transformed into the latter by catalytic amount of trifluoroacetic acid.