Synthesis and base-induced epimerization of cis,cis,cis,trans-tribenzo[5.5.5.6]fenestranes
Abstract
Strained cis,cis,cis,trans-tribenzo[5.5.5.6]fenestranes are accessible in good yield by two-fold cyclodehydration of cis-2,6-diphenylspiro[cyclohexane-1,2′-indane]-1′,3′-diols and the particularly high acidity of their ‘inverted’ benzylic bridgehead C–H bonds, causing facile epimerization to the more stable all-cis-tribenzo[5.5.5.6]fenestranes, is shown.