A method for synthesis of bicyclo[3.3.0]oct-1-en-3-ones from cyclobutanones with one-carbon ring expansion and its application to a formal synthesis of racemic 1-desoxyhypnophilin

A method for synthesis of 2-cyanobicyclo[3.3.0]oct-1-en-3-ones and 2-substituted bicyclo[3.3.0]oct-1-en-3-ones was developed by assembly of three components, cyclobutanones, chloromethyl p-tolyl sulfoxide, and nitriles, with one-carbon ring expansion of the cyclobutane ring. As an application of this method, a formal synthesis of 1-desoxyhypnophilin in racemic form was performed starting from 3,3-di(phenylthiomethyl)cyclobutanone.