The Thermal Isomerizations of Bicyclo[2.1.0]pent-5-yl Methyl Ketones: endo-exo stereomutation and cyclopropyl-allylic rearrangement to cyclopent-2-enyl methyl ketones

Bicyclo[2.1.0]pent-5-yl methyl ketones undergo two thermal isomerization reactions. The endo-exo stereomutation follows the ring-flip path in better than 90%, with inversion of the configuration of the angular carbon atoms by cleavage and reclosure of the central bond. Stereomutation and cyclopropyl-allylic rearrangement to cyclopent-2-enyl methyl ketone do not involve a common intermediate and proceed on separate potential energy surfaces. The activation parameters of the rearrangement suggest an allowed concerted cycloreversion process.     

Synthesis of bisbenzannulated spiroketals-model studies for a modular approach to rubromycins

[reaction: see text] A highly flexible synthesis of bisbenzannulated spiroketals is described with additions of lithiated methoxyallene to aryl aldehydes and Heck reactions as key steps. Subsequent hydrogenations and ketalizations afforded the desired spiroketals in good yields and with predominating trans-configuration. With model compound 30, already bearing the fully substituted naphthyl core of rubromycins, the ketalization proceeded efficiently providing the expected product 31 and the isopropoxy compound 32. Both products are advanced model compounds of heliquinomycin.