Use of Conjugated Dienones in Cyclialkylations:  Total Syntheses of Arucadiol, 1,2-Didehydromiltirone, (±)-Hinokione, (±)-Nimbidiol, Sageone, and Miltirone^†

Functionalized hydrophenanthrenes can be prepared using a cyclialkylation-based strategy. These annulations are highly dependent on the directing effects of the arene substitutents and on conformational considerations. The utility of this methodology was featured in the syntheses of six diterpenoids.