Synthesis of (–)-probetaenone I: structural confirmation of biosynthetic precursor of betaenone B
Abstract
(–)-Probetaenone I (1) has been synthesized by an intramolecular Diels–Alder reaction and, thereby, its structure has been clearly confirmed; in the biosynthesis of betaenone B (2) the stereochemistry of the C-8 hydroxylation of (1) was proved to involve retention of configuration.