Formal synthesis of a selective estrogen receptor modulator with tetrahydrofluorenone structure using [3 + 2 + 1] cycloaddition of yne-vinylcyclopropanes and CO

A formal synthesis of product <b>VI</b> with tetrahydroflurenone structure as selective estrogen receptor modulator has been realized. The Rh-catalyzed [3 + 2 + 1] reaction of yne-vinylcyclopropanes and CO (20 mmol scale, in 87% yield) for building the 6/5/5 skeleton, and a Heck coupling reaction constructing the [3.2.1] framework, are the two key reactions in this 11-step synthesis.