A tetrahydropentaleno[1,6a‐a]naphthalen‐4(2H)‐one of defined relative stereochemistry for use towards Agariblazeispirol C

Towards the synthesis of the novel natural product Agariblazeispirol C, (5aR*,11bR*)‐9‐methoxy‐3,8,11b‐trimethyl‐5,6,7,11b‐tetrahydro‐1H‐pentaleno1,6a‐a]naphthalen‐4(2H)‐one, C₂₀H₂₄O₂, has been prepared at a key stage of the preparative programme. The structure shows the desired stereochemical outcome of the central cyclization protocol, viz. a syn‐relationship between the aliphatic methyl group on the 11b‐position and the methylene group on the 5a‐position C—C—C—C = −34.57 (18)°].