1,6-Hydroolefination and Cascade Cyclization of p-Quinone Methides with Styrenes: Total Synthesis of (±)-Isopaucifloral F.

A Lewis acid-catalyzed intermolecular 1,6-hydroolefination of p-quinone methides with styrenes leading to vinyl diarylmethanes and indenes has been developed. This protocol was also elaborated to the total synthesis of (±)-isopaucifloral F. Besides, interestingly, the reaction between 2-alkynylated p-quinone methides and styrenes provided a straightforward access to dihydrobenzo[ a]fluorene derivatives in one pot with 100% atom-economy.