In the current bid for synthetic efficiency, multiple bond-forming transformations are becoming a key concept in organic synthesis. In this context, domino protocols have become increasingly common in the synthesis of bicyclic systems. This tutorial review aims at providing a short but authoritative overview of this topic, focusing on the preparation of bridged bicyclo[n.3.1]alkane systems, and is organized according to the number of rings created in the key domino process.

In this report a short and efficient synthesis of the dibenz[b,f]oxepin framework through intramolecular S_NAr and McMurry reactions is described. The diaryl ethers required for the McMurry reaction have been obtained in good yields under microwave-assisted conditions of the reaction of salicylaldehydes with fluorobenzaldehydes without catalysts. Application of an intramolecular McMurry reaction to the synthesized diarylethers using TiCl₄/Zn in THF gave the target dibenzo[b,f]oxepin system in 53%–55% yields.

The C-alkylation of cyclic α-nitroketones with α-halobenzyl halides in the presence of DBU followed by a Pd-catalyzed intramolecular C-arylation afforded benzo-and naphtho-fused bicyclo[n.3.1]alkane derivatives (n = 3, 4, 5) in excellent overall yields for the two-step sequence. In some of the reactions starting from α-nitrocyclooctanone, the major products were fused indane derivatives arising from an intramolecular attack of an intermediate Pd species onto the carbonyl group, followed by elimination.