UNUSUAL INDAN-1- 0NE RING CLOSURE IN A PROJECTED SYNTHESIS OF o - ar- JUVABIONE.

Acid or base hydrolysis of 2-( 3-carbethoxy-4-oxo-6-methy1-2 heptyl) benzonitrile(4) gave 3-methylindanone, instead of the expected benzoic acid corresponding to o-ar-juvabione (lb). A mechanism for the ring closure is outlined.