Simple construction of bicyclo[4.3.0]nonane, bicyclo[3.3.0]octane, and related benzo derivatives by palladium-catalyzed cycloalkenylation.

[reaction: see text] Bicyclo[4.3.0]nonanes (hydrindanes) and bicyclo[3.3.0]octanes (octahydropentalenes) are easily synthesized by palladium-catalyzed cycloalkenylations. Additionally, benzo-fused bicyclo[3.3.0]octanes are prepared for the first time through intramolecular coupling between silyl enol ethers and aromatic rings in the presence of catalytic palladium acetate.