A stereoconvergent intramolecular Diels-Alder cycloaddition related to the construction of the decalin core of neo-clerodane diterpenoids.
Several examples of a highly specific, stereoconvergent intramolecular Diels-Alder cycloaddition that led to the trans-decalin core of neo-clerodane diterpenoids are described. The relative configuration adjacent to the dienophile, which led to C4 of the decalin system, as well as the electron-withdrawing effects of various substituents and conformational rigidity of the Diels-Alder precursors were explored.