Dedicated to the memory of my mentor Prof. A. Srikrishna (1955–2013), an outstanding
organic chemist and a constant source of inspiration.
A superacid (triflic acid) promoted dual C–C bond formation via intermolecular Friedel–Crafts
alkylation (Michael addition type) and intramolecular acylation for the efficient
synthesis of 3-substituted indan-1-ones is presented. This method was successful in
activating ethyl cinnamates towards dual aromatic electrophilic substitution. Moreover,
it enabled us to synthesize novel spirotetracyclic systems.
Key words
cinnamates - indanones - Friedel–Crafts alkylation - acylation - superacid