Highly stereoselective and efficient total synthesis of (+)-laurencin

A highly stereoselective and efficient asymmetric total synthesis of (+)-laurencin (1) has been accomplished from the known oxazolidinone 5 in 15 steps. The route features an efficient internal alkylation to form oxocene 3 from 4 and a novel use of acetonitrile anion as a two-carbon acetaldehyde equivalent for direct synthesis of ketone 2 from alpha-alkoxy amide 3.