Concise asymmetric total synthesis of catunaregin

Abstract

The asymmetric total synthesis of catunaregin isolated from the Chinese mangrove is described. The synthesis involves an asymmetric syn-selective aldol reaction and the successive ketalization of a furan diol derivative under acidic conditions. This methodology is very concise and highly stereoselective. The asymmetric total synthesis of the optically pure catunaregin was accomplished in 7 steps from a known methyl ester.