Total Synthesis of Baccatin III and Taxol

Abstract

An intramolecular Heck reaction ( 90 → 91 ) serves as the key step in the total synthesis of the titled compounds. The synthetic route is based on utilizing the Wieland−Miescher ketone ( 5 ) as a matrix to provide the C and D rings of the targets and to provide functionality implements for joining this sector to an A ring precursor ( 6 ). Catalytically induced enantiotopic control and early emplacement of the oxetane are other features of the route.