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.