The concise total synthesis of helicascolides A, B, and C has been achieved in seven steps starting from commercially available tiglic aldehyde [(E)-2,3-dimethylacrylaldehyde]. Oppolzer’s sultam aldol, Mukaiyama aldol, and Dess–Martin periodinane oxidation reactions are the key steps involved in the target synthesis.
Key words
helicascolides A, B, and C - lactones - antifungal agents - asymmetric aldol reactions - total synthesis