A domino-based approach toward stereodefined heavily functionalized cyclohexanes: synthesis of iridal's core structure.

A stereoselective synthesis of heavily functionalized six-membered ring subunits, which possess functionality at sites appropriate for further elaboration, is described. The cyclopentanone moiety of hydrindenediol is required to achieve total facial selectivity during the pre-domino installation of the second quaternary center, while oxidative cleavage is responsible for the ring-expanding rearrangement. A microwave-assisted version of the key domino transformation and a test of concept approach toward the iridal core structure are also presented.