Abstract
MeAlCl2-initiated cyclization of enone 6d provides an 85% yield of a 9:1 mixture of trans- and cis-fused
hydroazulenones 9 and 10. Similarly, cyclization of 7d gives a 31% yield of 11 with an equatorial methyl group, and cyclization of 8d affords a 46% yield of 12 and a 7% yield of 13.