Formation of benzo-fused carbocycles by formal radical cyclization onto an aromatic ring

An indirect method for effecting radical carbocyclization onto aromatic rings is described. Cross-conjugated dienones such as 13, readily prepared by Birch reduction of aromatic tert-butyl esters, in situ alkylation, and oxidation (10 --> 11 --> 12 --> 13), undergo radical cyclization; the products (14) are aromatized by silylation, Saegusa oxidation, and treatment with BiCl3.H2O. A noteworthy feature of this route is that it provides opportunities to attach an additional substituent to the original aromatic ring.