3,3]-Sigmatropic rearrangement/5-exo-dig cyclization reactions of benzyl alkynyl ethers: synthesis of substituted 2-indanones and indenes

Substituted benzyl alkynyl ethers, prepared from the corresponding α-alkoxy ketones in a two-step sequence involving enol triflate formation and KOtBu-induced E2 elimination, undergo 3,3]-sigmatropic rearrangement/intramolecular 5-exo-dig cyclization at 60 °C to form substituted 2-indanones in good overall yields. 1,3-cis-Disubstituted-2-indanones are formed preferentially when the benzylic substituent R(1) is bulky. Substituted indenes may be prepared from 2-indanones in high yields by Horner-Wadsworth-Emmons reaction.