Synthesis of benzo- and naphtho-fused bicyclo[n.3.1]alkane frameworks with a bridgehead nitrogen function by palladium-catalyzed intramolecular α'-arylation of α-nitroketones.

The C-alkylation of cyclic α-nitroketones with α-halobenzyl halides in the presence of DBU followed by a Pd-catalyzed intramolecular C-arylation afforded benzo-and naphtho-fused bicyclo[n.3.1]alkane derivatives (n = 3, 4, 5) in excellent overall yields for the two-step sequence. In some of the reactions starting from α-nitrocyclooctanone, the major products were fused indane derivatives arising from an intramolecular attack of an intermediate Pd species onto the carbonyl group, followed by elimination.