Abstract
In connection with synthetic approaches to the clerodane anti-feedant ajugarin-I, 1 1, we required tricyclic lactone intermediates of general structure 2. We wish to report here the preparation ofthe bicyclic β-ketolactone 3, and its conversion to the Robinson annulation product 4 as well as to the two alkylated products 13 and 14. Ketolactone 3 shows promise as a useful intermediate in the synthesis of a variety of carbocyclic systems.