Synthesis of Fluorenes and Dibenzo[ g,p ]chrysenes through an Oxidative Cascade.

We have developed robust, operationally simple syntheses of fluorenes and of dibenzo[ g,p ]chrysenes through oxidative cascade processes. These structures that are commonly encountered in optoelectronic materials, dyes, and pharmaceutical products are accessible from 1,4-dioxaspiro[4.5]decan-8-one. The reactions are conducted open to air with inexpensive, safe CuBr 2 or CuCl 2 .