A unified, RCM anchored approach to spiro[4.5]decane-based sesquiterpenoids: Collective synthesis of (±)-α & β-vetispirenes, (±)-β-vetivone, (±)-agarospirol and (±)-hinesol

•A concise new approach to spiro[4.5]decane based sesquiterpenoids in which RCM reaction on a simple, stereoselectively crafted precursor furnishes a versatile intermediate (2,10-dimethylspiro[4.5]dec-1-en-6-one) has been delineated.•This platform intermediate has been elaborated to several spirocyclic sesquiterpenoid natural products namely α & β-vetispirenes, β-vetivone, agarospirol, hinesol, axenol and gleenol through short, efficient sequences.•The strategy developed here can find many more potential applications in the synthesis of spirocyclics.