Polycyclic Systems. Part XII1. Synthesis of 7-Methoxy -2-oxohydrophenanthrenes

\(\beta\)-(2-Carboxymethyl-3, 4-dihydro-6-methoxy-1-naphthyl) propionic acid and its aromatic analogue have been synthesised. The dimethyl esters of the acids undergo Dieckmann cyclisation affording 1-methoxycarbonyl-7-methoxy-2-oxohydrophenanthrenes of possible synthetic interest in hydroaromatic steroids. The structure of the cyclisation product has been proved by methylation and subsequent aromatisation into 1-methyl-7-methoxyphenanthrene.