Synthesis of rac-Lindenene via a thermally induced cyclopropanation reaction.

The first synthesis of the sesquiterpene Lindenene is described. A novel non-catalysed intramolecular cyclopropanation reaction between a diazoketone and an unactivated alkene was utilised to construct the relatively labile ketone precursor with complete stereocontrol. This ketone was transformed in three steps into Lindenene.