Intramolecular reductive cyclization of an enone–aldehyde: a new approach to the synthesis of (±)-majusculone

A concise total synthesis of (±)-majusculone from 2,6,6-trimethyl-2-cyclohexen-1-one in seven steps is described. Intramolecular reductive cyclization of an enone–aldehyde using samarium diiodide is the key step in this synthesis.