Triquinane terpenes synthesis

Briggs et al. proposed a new strategy for the synthesis of tricyclic structures using acyl xanthates as precursor for acyl radicals [121]. Irradiation with visible light of a solution of acyl xanthate in presence of 1,6-diene 126 afforded czs-fused bicyclic compound 127 in a good yield (Scheme 38). Radical reduction of xanthate and subsequent aldol condensation leads to the formation of [5.5.5]-fused ring systems similar to those of the triquinane terpene family. 

The synthesis of triquinane acids, initiated by the preparation of isocomenic acid [22], thus provided a general method for control of the stereochemistry of secondary methyl groups in these terpenes. The [4+1] annulation based on the dienes of type 23 then laid the groundwork for the first-generation design and a model study for the approach to retigeranic acid [23]. 

Hudlicky T, Short RP (1982) Terpenic Acids by Cyclopentane Annulation of Exocyclic Dienes. Synthesis of Triquinane Portion of Retigeranic Acid. J Org Chem 47 1522... 

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