This work describes a straightforward multistep conversion of substrates containing a cyclohexenone moiety into mono-, bi- and tricyclic aryl methyl ketones in one single working process. Crucial steps are the addition of 1-ethoxyvinyllithium to the carbonyl group, followed by acid-catalyzed enol ether hydrolysis, dehydration, and dehydrogenation.
Key words
ketones - acetyl anion equivalents - vinyl ether - carbazole - aromatization