Synthesis and reactions of two stereoisomeric [4.5.5.5]fenestranes with bridgehead substituents

The [4.5.5.5]fenestranes 2 and 3 with two different functionalities were prepared in seven steps with overall yields of 5% and 10%, respectively. For introduction of a bridgehead double bond the removal of the tertiary hydroxy group was investigated in the two stereoisomeric hydroxyketones 12 and 15. Whereas the dehydration readily occurred in 12, a ring opening reaction was observed for 15.