Towards the total synthesis of amphidinolide E: an enantioselective synthesis of C12-C29 fragment

An enantioselective synthesis of the C12-C29 fragment of amphidinolide E is described. Key transformations include an intramolecular mercuriocyclization reaction, stereoselective introduction of methyl group at the C2 position, and Stille coupling for the introduction of the diene side chain.