Convergent Formal Syntheses of (+/-)-Brussonol and (+/-)-Abrotanone via an Intramolecular Marson-Type Cyclization

The formal convergent syntheses of both (+/-)-brussonol and (+/-)-abrotanone are reported. The key step involved the diastereoselective capture of an in situ generated oxocarbenium cation via an Intramolecular Friedel-Crafts/Marson-type cyclization.