Abstract The synthesis of 2, 2-dimethyl-and 2, 2-diphenylcyclopentanone in high yield is reported by the ring expansion of the corresponding 1-(disubstituted carbinol)-1- hydroxycyclobutane in polyphosphoric acid. Modifications of the general synthetic route using reported reactions offers a general route to 2, 2-disubstituted-1-cyclopentanones.
