[billystark]

Hello, I am trying to come up with a synthetic pathway for this molecule using only the Claisen condensation reaction, and I can't seem to manage. Any help?

[OrganicH2O]

Claisen condensation forms a C-C bond. You just have to think: where in the product can the C-C bond be identified, based on the special relationship between the two functional groups that is created by the process? Also, this looks like a double crossed Claisen between two molecules that both contain two esters. the first Claisen links them together, and the second Claisen forms a ring.

Technically there are probably two possibilities: one involving a ring formation, and another with carbonate esters as the electrophile. Maybe the ring formation is better, and they don't always teach the carbonate ester version in introductory classes.