Synthesis of bicyclo[4.n.1]alkanones.

Cyclic beta-keto ester monoanions react with 1,4-dihalobutenes to give C-alkylated products which subsequently undergo a stereoselective SN2' O-alkylation reaction to yield functionalized enol ethers. When the starting material was ethyl cyclopentanone carboxylate, the C-alkylated product, treated with a base, directly afforded the functionalized bicyclo[4.2.