Synthesis and reactivity of 1-hydroxyspiro[2.5]cyclooct-4-en-3-ones

The first 1-hydroxyspiro[2.5]cyclooct-4-en-3-ones were prepared by cyclization of free and masked 1,3-dicarbonyl dianions with 1,1-diacetylcyclopropane. 1-Hydroxyspiro[2.5]cyclooct-4-en-3-ones represent precursors of unstable spiro[5.2]cycloocta-4,7-dien-6-ones and reactions with a number of nucleophiles were studied. The reactions are enhanced by dynamic spiro-activation.