The generation of dianions from monofunctional compounds has been seldom observed and utilized.'In conjunction with the chemistry of gibberillins, we required a facile route to 3- substituted 1-indanones. Metalation of the enamines of 1-indanones followed by alkylation does provide access to such compounds. 2 However, a more direct method was envisioned based upon the fact that the enolate of indanone is an oxyindene which should still be ...