Bicycloannulation of α-bromo α,β-unsaturated esters; synthesis of the tricyclo[4.4.0.01,5]decane framework and its congeners

Abstract
Reactions of the kinetic enolates 6 of 1-acetylcyclohexenes 5 with α-bromo α,β-unsaturated esters 7 proceed via a successive Michael–Michael-substitution pathway to give methyl 2-oxotricyclo[4.4.0.01,5]decane-5-carboxylates 8 in a one-pot operation.