Sequential Michael addition/biscyclization reactions leading to theformation of highly substituted polycyclic substrates: Some preliminary studies

Abstract

An intermolecular Michael addition reaction of a malonate or malononitrile to unsaturated carbonyl substrates Z2a, E2a and E2b followed by a palladium-mediated biscyclization reaction led to the formation of highly functionalised tricyclic compounds with, in general, a high level of selectivity. A preliminary study on the transformation of one of these resulting substrates into a tetracyclic compound is also presented.