Complete autoassembly of dilactones 4-6 from dihydroxytetraesters of the type X(2)YC(CH2)(n)CYX(2) (X = CO(2)R, Y = OH, n = 2, 3) was performed in high yields under the conditions of acid or base catalysis. The classic syntheses of the Troger's base, Meerwein ester, and dilactams were considered from the viewpoint of bicycle autoassembly.
Treatment of alkylenebismalonates with NaH and benzoyl peroxide afforded dibenzoyloxy derivatives. Alkaline hydrolysis of the latter gave alkylenebistartronic acids. Tetramethyl and tetraethyl esters and tetraamides of these acids were synthesized.