Silver-Catalyzed Cascade 1,6-Addition/Cyclization of para-Quinone Methides with Propargyl Malonates: An Approach to Spiro[4.5]deca-6,9-dien-8-ones.

An unprecedented silver-catalyzed cascade 1,6-addition/5-exo-dig cyclization reaction between para-quinone methides and propargyl malonates under mild reaction conditions has been described. This reaction provides an efficient method to construct versatile spiro[4.5]cyclohexadienones in moderate to excellent yields with high atom economy and scalability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]