Process for bicyclic diketones

摘要

The preparation of bicyclic diketones of the formula <IMAGE> I wherein R1 is lower alkyl or ar-lower alkyl from a compound of the formula <IMAGE> II wherein R1 is as previously described or a salt thereof, and a di-lower alkyl malonate is described. The reactants are combined in a reaction sequence consisting of Michael addition, cyclization, hydrolysis, and decarboxylation. The preparation of the compounds of formula II is also described.