Reaction of methyl 1-(2-bromo-4-methoxy-1,4-dioxobutyl)- cyclohexanecarboxylate with zinc and aromatic aldehydes

Treatment of methyl 1-(2-bromo-4-methoxy-1,4-dioxobutyl)cyclohexanecarboxylate with zinc followed by aromatic aldehydes affords methyl 1-(2-aryl-5-oxotetrahydrofuran-3-carbonyl)cyclohexanecarboxylates.