April, 1972} intermediate for illudin S, can be prepared through common compounds. However, for the synthesis of illudin M, a simpler method for 2 was desirable. Readily accessible 5,5-dimethyl-2,4-dicarbethoxycyclo- pentanone 249) was converted by boiling with dilute perchloride acid into 5,5-dimethyl-4-carboxycyclopen— tanone (25), mp 107°C, in 60% yield. Bromination of 25 with bromine afforded, in quantitative yield, 5,5-dimethy1-4-carboxy-2- ...