Diels–Alder Reaction of Tropones with Arynes: Synthesis of Functionalized Benzobicyclo[3.2.2]nonatrienones

A new procedure for the mild, practical, and scalable Diels–Alder reaction of tropones with arynes is reported. Differently substituted tropones undergo selective [4 + 2] cycloaddition with arynes generated in situ by the fluoride-induced 1,2-elimination of 2-(trimethylsilyl)­aryl triflates, allowing the formation of functionalized benzobicyclo[3.2.2]­nonatrienone derivatives in moderate to good yields. In addition, the photophysical properties of the cycloadducts are presented.