Total Synthesis of (+)-Euphorikanin A via an Atropospecific Cascade

Abstract

A total synthesis of the ingenane-derived diterpenoid (+)-euphorikanin A is described. Key to the strategy is a stereocontrolled one-pot sequence consisting of transannular aldol addition reaction, hemiketal formation, and subsequent semipinacol rearrangement that efficiently leads to the complete euphorikanin skeleton. Atroposelective ring-closing olefin metathesis proved critical for the stereospecific cascade, leading to formation of a (<i>Z</i>)-bicyclo[7.4.1]tetradecenone core. An additional salient feature of the route is pyrolysis of a bis-methylxanthate to cleanly furnish the natural product.