Heteropoly acid catalyzed synthesis of 8-methyl-2-aryl/alkyl-3-oxabicyclo[3.3.1]non-7-ene derivatives through (3,5)-oxonium-ene reaction

A variety of aldehydes undergo a smooth coupling with (4-methylcyclohex-3-en-1-yl)methanol in the presence of 2 mol % of phosphomolybdic acid in dichloromethane to afford 3-oxabicyclo[3.3.1]non-7-ene in good yields through 3,5-oxonium-ene cyclization under mild conditions. The use of inexpensive, nontoxic, and readily available heteropoly acid catalyst makes this method simple, convenient, and environmental-friendly.