A straightforward singlet oxygen‐initiated cascade reaction sequence for the synthesis of a variety of key 3‐acyl‐5‐alkoxybutyrolactams from furans has been developed.

Am ethod for asymmetric and site selective annulations at the g and g' positions of cyclic 2-enones with a,bunsaturated aldehydes has been developed. The organocatalysed [3+ +3]-annulations proceed with high levels of regio-, diastereo-, and enantioselectivity,a ffording as eries of high value fused carbocycles.Further elaboration gave key lactones (both bridged and fused).

A method for asymmetric and site selective annulations at the γ and γ′ positions of cyclic 2‐enones with α,β‐unsaturated aldehydes has been developed. The organocatalysed [3+3]‐annulations proceed with high levels of regio‐, diastereo‐, and enantioselectivity, affording a series of high value fused carbocycles. Further elaboration gave key lactones (both bridged and fused).