Base-catalyzed Diels-Alder reactions of 2H-pyran-2,5-diones: a mild approach to basiliolide B.

ABSTRACT

A new class of base-catalyzed Diels-Alder reactions of 2H-pyran-2,5-diones has been developed using catalytic amount of dicyclohexylmethylamine in tert-butyl alcohol. This method has been successfully employed for construction of the tricyclic core of basiliolide B at room temperature with good yields and exclusive endo selectivity.