Copper-catalyzed bi-cyclization of α,β-unsaturated arylketones for accessing cyclopenta[b]tetralines

Abstract

A straightforward and efficient method for the synthesis of cyclopenta[b]tetralines via copper-catalyzed bi-cyclization of α,β-unsaturated arylketones with α-allyl-α-bromocarbonyls has been reported. The reaction proceeds via a C-centered radical-triggered 5-exo-trig/6-endo-trig cyclization cascade and offers a new and practical method for the assembly of 6/6/5 carbocyclic skeletons.