Synthetic Studies via Arene-Metal Compounds. An Application to the Regioselective Synthesis of a Natural Phthalide

A naturally occuring methoxyphthalide derivative, a constituent of Othonna Cylindrica Dc, was synthesized by employing stereoselective carbonyl reduction of (η-arene)tricarbonylchromium complex and regioselective lithiation of 7-methoxy-2-(1-hydroxyethyl)-1-tetralol.