A Novel Synthesis of 4a-Methyl-4,4a,9,10-Tetrahydro-2(3H)-Phenanthrone: An Intermediate Useful in Terpene Synthesis

Abstract
A novel preparation of 4a-methyl-4,4a,9,10-tetrahydro-2(3H)-phenanthrone by a three step procedure beginning with phenanthrene is described. The overall isolated yield is routinely > 70%.