An easy access to halogenated and non-halogenated spiro-hexadienones

We describe an improved protocol for the synthesis of spiro-hexadienones from Morita-Baylis-Hillman adducts. Solvent modification and temperature resulted in a significant increase in the yield. This protocol was used to synthesize mono- and dibrominated spiro-hexadienones in good overall yields. This report is the first to describe the synthesis of halogenated spiro-hexadienones from Morita-Baylis-Hillman adducts.