Straightforward Synthesis of Highly Functionalized Indanes and Tetralines through Ene-Cyclopropene Rearrangement Mediated by Ruthenium

Intramolecular Diels-Alder Reaction of Cyclopropenyl Vinylarenes: Access to Benzonorcarane Derivatives

Intramolecular Diels-Alder vinylarene reaction (IMDAV) is a [4 + 2] cycloaddition that employs styrene derivatives as conjugated dienes, whose poor reactivity arises from the required loss of aromaticity, which is recovered by a subsequent [1,3]-H shift. Herein, we describe the use of cyclopropene as a dienophile, harnessing its strain energy to drive the IMDAV reaction. Benzonorcarane scaffolds form in good yields, excellent stereoselectivity, and broad functional tolerance. Theoretical calculations and NMR studies have revealed significant mechanistic insights.

One Pot Synthesis of Spirocycles and Cyclopropa[b]pyrans by Alkenylation-Rearrangement of Cyclopropenes

A one pot alkenylation followed by a stereoselective Alder-ene cycloisomerization of cyclopropenes give (aza)spiro[2.4]heptanes and spiro[2.5]octanes in high yields. Total trans diastereoselectivity is achieved for spiro[2.4]heptanes if the cyclopropene is monosubstituted in C3. When an α,β-unsaturatedcarbonyl-containing bromide is used, an alternative cyclization takes place giving cyclopenta[c]cyclopropa[b]pyrans.