TFA-mediated intramolecular Friedel–Crafts reaction. An efficient metal and halogen free route to stereoselective synthesis of benzocycles

6-Acetoxy-4-alkenyl arenes undergo regio- and stereoselective intramolecular Friedel–Crafts reaction affording benzocycles in moderate to excellent yields in TFA/HOAc (3:1). It was observed that introduction of alkyls or phenyl group to the allylic acetate moiety facilitates the cyclization reaction. The optically active tricyclic (4bR,8aS)-4b,7,8,8a,9,10-hexahydrophenanthrene skeleton could also be easily obtained in excellent yields.