Sterically Controlled Diels-Alder Cycloadditions: Rapid Entry into the Illudin Scaffold

Rapid entry into the tricyclic ring system of the illudin family of natural products was achieved using a Diels–Alder cycloaddition of allylidenecyclopropane 7 and various cyclic and acyclic dienophiles. The reaction proceeds with complete regioselectivity and moderate to high stereoselectivity in good to excellent chemical yields.