Cyclohepta[de]naphthalenes and the Rearranged Abietane Framework of Microstegiol via Nicholas Reaction Chemistry

Nicholas reactions on 2,7-dioxygenated naphthalenes give C-1 monosubstitution and C-1/C-8 disubstitution in most cases. From gamma-carbonyl cation monocondensation product 3b or alkyne-unsubstituted dicondensation product 4a, cyclohepta[de]naphthalenes bearing no substituents, gem-dimethyl substituents, and a ketone function, and the rearranged abietane framework of microstegiol may be prepared