Alternative procedure for the synthesis of Mansonone F and Biflorin precursor

Synthetic studies on Mansonone F and Biflorin are described. Synthesis of ketone 12 has been achieved by utilizing tetrahydronaphthalene 8 which in turn was prepared from the 5-methoxy-alpha-tetralone 3. The conversion of 8 into ketone 12 was accomplished in four steps (O-alkylation with ethyl bromoacetate, dehydrogenation, alkaline hydrolysis and cyclization with phosponate ester).