The synthesis of -trimethoxyphenyl)-3-trialkylsiloxy-1,3-butadienes an
d their Diels-Alder reaction with selected dienophiles at room tempera
ture is described. These aryldienes are useful building blocks for the
synthesis of natural and pharmacological active products, as has been
shown by the preparation of a tetracyclic ketone needed for the synth
esis of new anthracycline analogues. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.