An unusual ring-contraction/rearrangement sequence for making functionalized di- and triquinanes.

A novel ring contraction/rearrangement sequence leading to functionalized 2,8-oxymethano-bridged di- and triquinane compounds is observed in the reaction of various substituted 1-methyl-4-isopropenyl-6-oxabicylo[3.2.1]octan-8-ones with Lewis acids. The reaction is novel and is unprecedented for the synthesis of di- and triquinane frameworks.

Facile synthesis of isochromanones and isoquinolones by AuCl3 catalyzed cascade triggered by an internal nucleophile.

Synthesis of isochromanones and isoquinolones comprising a quaternary center with high diastereoselectivity was realized via a AuCl3 catalyzed tandem intramolecular exo-dig heterocyclization/enol isomerization/Claisen rearrangement sequence in excellent yields. The reaction is general and amenable for the synthesis of structurally diverse analogues.