Enantioselective total syntheses of (+)- and (−)-ottelione A and (+)- and (−)-ottelione B. Absolute configuration of the novel, biologically active natural products

Following our recent total synthesis of the biologically potent natural products otteliones A and B in racemic form, we have now accomplished the total synthesis of both the enantiomers of otteliones A and B through an enantiodivergent strategy emanating from the readily available Diels-Alder adduct of cyclopentadiene and p-benzoquinone. These endeavors have led to the elucidation of the absolute configuration of naturally occurring otteliones A and B.