Abstract
The conversion of α-benzocycloalkenones to homologous β-benzocyclo-alkenones containing six, seven and eight-membered rings is reported. This wasaccomplished via a Wittig olefination-oxidative rearrangement sequence using[hydroxy(tosyloxy)iodo]-benzene (HTIB) is the oxidant, that enables the synthesis ofregioisomeric pairs of methyl-substituted β-benzocycloalkenones. The incorporation ofcarbon-13 at C-1 of the β-tetralone nucleus was also demonstrated. The Wittig-HTIBapproach is a useful alternative to analogous sequences in which Tl(NO3)3·3H2O or thePrevost combination (AgNO3/I2) are employed in the oxidation step.