Samarium(II) iodide-induced cascade reaction for tricyclic γ-lactone synthesis from acyclic keto diesters

Cascade reaction involving reductive cyclization, Dieckmann condensation, and lactonization of E- and Z-dimethyl 2-methyl-8-oxoundec-2-enedioates and Z-dimethyl 2-methyl-7-oxodec-2-enedioate with samarium(II) iodide was found to stereospecifically produce cis and trans bicyclo[4.4.0]decane (decalin) ring systems and trans bicyclo[4.3.0]nonan (perhydroindane) ring system each consisting of γ-lactone, respectively.