Thiol-mediated tandem Michael-aldol reaction: a convenient method for the synthesis of fused cyclopentenones

A simple, convenient, one-pot synthetic approach towards substituted cyclopentenone derivatives via thiol-mediated tandem Michael-aldol reaction followed by acid-catalyzed thiol elimination and isomerization of 3-(2-formyl-3,4-dihydronapthalene 1-yl)-acrylic acid esters has been developed.