A divergent [5+2] cascade approach to bicyclo[3.2.1] octanes: facile synthesis of ent-kaurene and cedrene-type skeletons

A solvent-dependent oxidative dearomatization-induced divergent [5+2] cascade approach to bicyclo[3.2.1] octanes was described. This novel protocol enables a facile synthesis of a series of diversely functionalized ent-kaurene and cedrene-type skeletons in good yields and excellent diastereoselectivities.