Efficient synthesis of bicyclo[3.2.1]octane-2,4-diones and their incorporation into potent HPPD inhibitors

Herein we report a very efficient access to a variety of bicyclic 1,3-diones as key intermediates to be incorporated into very potent HPPD inhibitors. In particular, we have developed a one-pot process for the synthesis of the bicyclo[3.2.1]octane-2,4-dione, the parent dione of Bicyclopyrone.