Synthesis of versatile bicyclo[5.4.0]undecane systems from tetrachlorocyclopropene

2,2,3,4-Tetrachloro-8-oxabicyclo[3.2.1]octa-2,6-diene, derived in a single step from the cyclocondensation of furan and tetrachlorocylopropene, serves as a key intermediate for the construction of bicyclo[5.4.0]undecane synthons. Conversion to a meso-1,3 diketone is followed by a high yielding Robinson annulation reaction. Studies on the reduction of the enone product reveals a powerful preference for formation of the cis-ring fusion.