A Convenient Synthesis of 5-Alkylbicyclo[3.1.0]hexan-2-ones Including the Natural Product Sabina Ketone

Simple 5-alkylbicyclo[3.1.0]hexan-2-ones, including the natural product sabina ketone, can be prepared in four steps from aromatic ethers via Birch reduction, hydrogen chloride addition, hydrolysis and then base treatment of the resultant 4-chlorocyclohexanones.