Atypical Dearomative Spirocyclization of β-Naphthols with Diazoacetamides Using a Silver Catalyst

A chemoselective dearomatization of the less reactive benzenoid unit in beta-naphthol was developed. Spirocyclization with a reductant constructs a pivotal structure for drug candidates. One-pot oxidative conversion enabled the tandem dearomatization of beta-naphthol, producing conjugated tetraenone variants. The potential utility of the product as an F-selective anion sensor was also demonstrated. Theoretical studies revealed the intermediacy of silver-carbenoid species leading to chemoselective spirocyclization over arene cyclopropanation.