The normal electron-demand Diels–Alder reaction between 1, 4-disubstituted naphthalenes, nitro being one of these two groups, and 1-methoxy-3-trimethylsililoxy-1, 3-butadiene gives hydroxyphenanthrene derivatives, the yields being enhanced by placement of more electron- withdrawing groups on the dienophilic system. The nitro group as substituent directs the cycloaddition, and its cis-extrusion as nitrous acid along with the loss of methanol from ...