Enantioselective total synthesis of (−)-epoxyquinols A and B. Novel, convenient access to chiral epoxyquinone building blocks through enzymatic desymmetrization

Following our recent total synthesis of the biologically potent natural products epoxyquinols A and B in racemic form, we have now accomplished the total synthesis of the (−)-epoxyquinols A and B, anti-podes of the angiogenesis inhibiting natural products, through a protocol that involves enzymatic desymmetrization of a versatile epoxyquinone derivative, readily available from the Diels-Alder adduct of cyclopentadiene and p-benzoquinone.