Total synthesis of cis-sylvaticin

Abstract

An asymmetric total synthesis of (+)-cis-sylvaticin is described. Key steps include the use of permanganate-mediated oxidative cyclization of 1,5-dienes to synthesize the two major fragments 2 and 3 and a catalytically efficient tethered RCM to unite these THF-containing fragments. In addition, t-BuP 4 base was found to reliably promote rapid alkylation of the butenolide precursor fragment 4.