TiCl4-promoted intramolecular cyclization of 4-methoxy-5-arylethyl-1,3-dioxolan-2-ones: an expedient method to prepare 2-tetralones

DABCO is a very effective catalyst in the formation of 4-methoxy-5-arylethyl-1,3-dioxolan-2-ones 12 from the corresponding α-carbonatoaldehyde. Intramolecular cyclization of cyclic carbonates 12 promoted by TiCl4 affords 2-tetralones 13 containing a variety of substituents in high yields.