Molecular complexity from aromatics: synthesis of highly functionalized spiro δ-lactones

A novel, general, and efficient method has been developed for the synthesis of highly functionalized spiro δ-lactones from aromatic precursors. Our methodology involves a tandem oxidative dearomatization-rearrangement of tertiary furyl carbinols and ring-closing metathesis as key features. This method allows an access to the spirolactones attached to carbocycles of various sizes.