Lewis Acid Catalyzed Tandem 1,4-Conjugate Addition/Cyclization of in Situ Generated Alkynyl o‑Quinone Methides and Electron-Rich Phenols: Synthesis of Dioxabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane Skeletons

A versatile Lewis acid catalyzed tandem cyclization of in situ generated alkynyl o-quinone methides (o-AQMs) with electron-rich phenols has been developed on the basis of the mode involving an intermolecular 1,4-conjugate addition/6-endo cyclization/1,3-aryl shift/intramolecular 1,4-conjugate addition cascade. This reaction provides a new method for expeditious assembly of synthetically and biologically interesting tetracyclic bridged dioxabicyclo[3.3.1]­nonane skeletons featuring a congested bridgehead oxa-quaternary stereocenter.