An Efficient Stereoselective Synthesis of a Tricyclic Intermediate for the Synthesis of Derivatives of Abietic and Podocarpic Acids

For many years the synthesis of diterpene acids has attracted the attention of organic chemists. Kröniger and Wheeler¹ reported that the condensation of the dimethylate 1a with methyl malonate gave the cis compound 2a which on heating with palladised charcoal was converted into the trans isomer 3a. Compound 3a is a promising intermediate in the synthesis of derivatives of both abietic and podocarpic acids, while 2a could be a starting material for the synthesis of cis fused diterpene acids. However, the route to 2a and 3a was inefficient; 1a was only available as the minor component of a mixture with its epimer 1b; and the yield for the stage 2a + 3a was poor.