Abstract
While considering potential routes for the synthesis of several tetracyclic sesquiterpenes (1–3),2 we were attracted by the possibility that this basic ring system might be constructed by solvolysis of an appropriately substituted norbornene derivative. By this scheme the homoallylic carbonium ion of a norbornenyl-nortricyclyl system would be captured by an attached carbon nucleophile to form the final two rings of these highly