Applications of [4+2] Anionic Annulation and Carbonyl-Ene Reaction in the Synthesis of Anthraquinones, Tetrahydroanthraquinones, and Pyranonaphthoquinones

Hexa-2,5-dienoates, susceptible to isomerization by acids and bases, are suitable for the [4+2] anionic annulation to give 3-(2-alkenyl)­naphthoates in regiospecific manner. When combined with intramolecular carbonyl-ene reaction (ICE), the accessibility of the naphthoates culminates in a new synthesis of anthraquinones and diastereoselective synthesis of tetrahydroanthraquinones. This strategy has also resulted in a 3-step synthesis of dehydroherbarin from a 3-methallylnaphthoate.