Alder cycloaddition reaction between 2-vinylindenes and various dienophiles. Electron rich
2-vinylindenes bearing methoxy groups at the 4-and 7-positions were accessed through
their corresponding 2-indenylpivalates obtained using a Pt-catalyzed cycloisomerization
reaction. DFT calculations were used to rationalize the observed regioselectivity in the Diels–
Alder reaction, and the cycloadditions were extended to a 2-allenylindene substrate.