Toward the Total Synthesis of Divergolides C and D

Abstract

The divergolides are a family of structurally unprecedented <i>ansa</i> macrocycles. We describe a synthetic strategy toward divergolides C and D that hinges on the biomimetic diversification of a common intermediate. An advanced precursor that incorporates all the carbon atoms of divergolide C and D is presented, and atrop­isomerism in a sterically crowded acyl naphthalene is studied.