Abstract:
The invention relates to an improved process for preparing [(3aR,4S,7aS)4-bromooctahydro-7a-methyl-1H-indene-1,5-dione]. (S)-(+)-2,3,7,7a-tetrahydro-7a-methyl-1H-indene-1,5(6H)-dione is reduced by reaction with diisobutylaluminum hydride and hexamethylphosphoric triaminde in the presence of a catalyst of the formula R--Cu, wherein R is ##STR1## and R. sup. 1, R. sup. 2 and R. sup. 3 are each, independently, selected from the group consisting of C. sub. 1-7 alkyl, phenyl, phenyl substituted by at least one C. sub. 1-4 alkyl group, benzyl, or benzyl substituted by at at least one C. sub. 1-4 alkyl group to form a reductate. The reductate is then treated with a bromine-containing electrophile to yield (3aR,4S,7aS)4-bromooctahydro-7a-methyl-1H-indene-1,5-dione.