Selective Reduction of Dienones Synthesis of Intermediates for Sesqui-and Diterpenes

Abstract

The tricyclic enones 15–20, intermediates to several sesqui-and diterpenes, have been synthesised in high yields involving selective hydrogenation of the disubstituted double bonds of the dienones 9-14 respectively in the presence of tris (triphenylphosphine)rhodium(I) chloride catalyst.