A strategy that preserves stereochemistry in intramolecular Friedel–Crafts alkylation is reported. An iterative synthetic approach to extend spiro-bridged molecular skeletons via C–H activation–annulation is developed, where the stereoretentive one-shot conversion to form multiple spirocarbon-bridged carbocycles resembles a ‘zipping up’ process.
- Xingwen Pu
- Yi Lu
- Jingsong You
