Organocatalytic Formal Intramolecular [3+2]-Cycloaddition to Acquire Biologically Important Methanodibenzo[a,f]azulenes and Methanobenzo[f]azulenes

Abstract

Lawsones were transformed into the functionally rich framework of methanodibenzo[a,f]azulenes and methanobenzo[f]azulenes in a single- or two-pot operation through five organocatalytic sequential reactions in very good yields with excellent selectivities. These resultant molecules are basic skeletons of important antibiotics, which highlights the value of this formal intramolecular [3+2]-cycloaddition as a key protocol.