Stereocontrolled Total Synthesis of (+)‐Leucascandrolide A

Abstract

Apparently no longer available from its natural source is the potent cytotoxic and antifungal agent leucascandrolide A (1), which was initially isolated from a New Caledonian calcareous sponge. A highly stereocontrolled total synthesis of this structurally unique macrolide commences with a Jacobsen asymmetric hetero Diels–Alder reaction to configure the tetrahydropyran ring. An efficient endgame relies on two Mitsunobu reactions, the first to generate the 18-membered macrolactone and the second to attach the oxazole-bearing side chain. Supporting information for this article is available on the WWW under http://www.wiley-vch.de/contents/jc_2002/2003/z50143_s.pdf or from the author. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.