The synthesis of benzannulated spiroketals from 1,1-diacyl-2-phenylcyclopropanes

[Display omitted] •Donor-acceptor cyclopropanes are useful building blocks in synthesis.•Benzannulated spiroketals were accessed from donor-acceptor cyclopropanes.•Stereochemically rich 5,5 and 6,5-benzanulated spiroketals were synthesised. A new method to access benzannulated spiroketals from 1,1-diacyl phenylcyclopropanes is described. The method provides rapid access to 5,5 and 5,6-benzannulated spiroketals in low to moderate yields and with moderate to good diastereoselectivity.