Samarium(II) iodide mediated radical/polar crossover reactions of cyclobutenes. An efficient approach to the BCD ring system of the penitrems.

[reaction: see text] Radical/polar crossover reactions of derivatives of 1-(2-cyclobutenyl)-2-(2-iodoaryl)ethanones with acetone promoted by samarium diiodide and HMPA provide 1-(1-hydroxy-1-methylethyl)-2,2a,4,8b-tetrahydro-1H-cyclobuta[a]naphthalen-3-one derivatives in about 50% isolated yield. This reaction shows promise for construction of the BCD ring fragment of the penitrems.