Ti(III)-induced radical cyclization. A stereoselective entry to the perhydrobenzo[e]indene unit of new protein farnesyltransferase inhibitors, andrastins A–D

An efficient approach for the synthesis of a fully functionalized perhydrobenzo[e]indene, the BCD ring system of andrastins A–D, is described. The synthesis commences from (±)-Wieland–Miescher ketone and features a Ti(III)-induced radical cyclization as the central step.