Optimization of a Pd-catalyzed intramolecular α-arylation synthesis of tricyclo-[7.3.1.02,7]-trideca-2,4,6-trien-13-ones

We have optimized the Pd-catalyzed intramolecular α-arylation of 2-(2-halo-benzyl)-cyclohexanones and found that the use of 2-(dicyclohexylphosphino)-2′,4′,6′-tri-i-propyl-1,1′-biphenyl (X-Phos) as an added ligand led to a reproducible, efficient, and scalable synthesis of tricycle-[7.3.1.02,7]-trideca-2,4,6-trien-13-ones.