Switchable Synthesis of Tritylone Alcohols and 2-Benzoylbenzoate Esters from Spiroindane-1,3-diones.

A solvent-controlled regioselective rearrangement reaction of spiroindane-1,3-diones with a leaving group has been developed. In acetonitrile solvent, the spiroindane-1,3-diones were rearranged to provide tritylone alcohols, while 2-benzoylbenzoate ester derivatives were obtained if the reactions were performed in alcohols.