A novel palladium-mediated cascade reaction triggered by strain release of the cyclobutane system. A new general route to benzo- and naphthohydrindans

A novel palladium-mediated cascade reaction was reported. By this procedure, the olefinic cyclobutanols 17, 24, and 31; 41; 37; and 45 afforded the benzo-and naphthohydrindans (46-49, 50-53, 54-57, and 58-61) respectively in one operation in the ratios depending on the mediators and solvents employed. This provides a novel and efficient synthesis of biologically important A-nor and C-11-alkylated steroids.