Recursive Anion-Triggered Tandem Reactions of ortho-Bis-ynones: Tunable Synthesis of 1-Indenones and Cyclopenta[a]inden-8(2H)-ones

Recursive anion-mediated activation of o-bis-ynones sets off a Michael addition-aldol reaction-dehydrative rearrangement cascade, leading to the one-pot synthesis of 1-indenones via orthogonal interplay between the two ortho-ynone moieties. Repeating the recursive anion engagement with the 1-indenones unfolded access to a functionally embellished cyclopenta[a]inden-8(2H)-one core and its spiroannulated analogues either directly or stepwise through tandem 1,6-Michael-type addition-6π electrocyclization and an in situ oxidation sequence.

FeCl3 mediated synthesis of substituted indenones by a formal [2+2] cycloaddition/ring opening cascade of o-keto-cinnamates

A novel FeCl₃ mediated formal [2+2] cycloaddition/ring opening cascade of o-keto-cinnamates was developed for the synthesis of indenones. The reaction tolerates a broad range of functional groups, including bromide, chloride, amide, acid and ester groups.