Synthesis of tricyclo[6.3.0.02,6]undec-2(6)-en-7-one from the corresponding spirolactone using zeolite. Use of the zeolite as a microreaction vessel

Spirolactone 1 is converted into the tricyclic enone 2 by adsorbing the reactant onto a zeolite and carrying out the reaction inside the zeolite pores; the product is recovered by extraction with methanol.