Synthesis of 2,2-functionalized benzo[1,3]dioxoles

Highly functionalized catechol ketals exhibiting either a tert-butyl moiety or a spiro center in position 2 are synthesized by ketalization and functionalized in a sequence of subsequent transformations. By a specific ketalization protocol catechol ketals of enolizable β-keto esters can be prepared. With the succeeding steps these compounds incorporate moieties, which are not compatible and accessible by direct ketalization of catechol.