The synthetic potential of α,α-diallylcyrene

The reaction of cyrene with allyl bromide in THF in the presence of Bu^tOK gave the α,α-diallyl derivative of cyrene in 50% yield. This derivative smoothly undergoes iodo- cyclization on the keto group that is converted into a ketal center to give annulated bis-tetrahydrofuran; intramolecular cationic cyclization in the presence of SnCl₄ or TiCl₄ results in 2-oxabicyclo[3.3.1]nonan-9-ones. The prospects of using these reactions towards the synthesis of trichothecene sesquiterpenoids modified in the central moiety were assessed.