An Efficient Total Synthesis of (+)-Varitriol from d-Ribonolactone

Abstract

A short and efficient total synthesis of cytotoxic natural (+)-varitriol has been accomplished in eight steps from γ-d-ribonolactone and 2,3-dimethylanisole in 41% overall yield. The key features include a highly stereoselective introduction of methyl at a carbonyl group and installation of the side chain with the aromatic portion by Julia-Kocieński olefination at C5 of the starting carbon skeleton.

Key words

natural products - varitriol - stereoselective synthesis - diastereoselectivity - chiral pool

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