Total Synthesis of (+)-Roxaticin via C−C Bond Forming Transfer Hydrogenation: A Departure from Stoichiometric Chiral Reagents, Auxiliaries, and Premetalated Nucleophiles in Polyketide Construction

Abstract

A total synthesis of the oxo-polyene macrolide (+)-roxaticin is achieved in 20 steps from 1,3-propanediol. In this approach, 9 of 10 C-C bonds formed in the longest linear sequence are made via metal catalysis, including 7 C-C bonds formed by iridium catalyzed alcohol C-C coupling. Notably, the present synthesis, which represents the most concise preparation of any oxo-polyene macrolide reported to date, is achieved in the absence of chiral reagents and chiral auxiliaries with minimal use of premetalated C-nucleophiles.