First total synthesis of (-)-AL-2

Treatment of the 3,4-dioxygenated-9-hydroxy-1-nonyn-5-one derivative, derived from diethyl l-tartrate, with a palladium catalyst in methanol under a CO atmosphere effected an intramolecular acetalization and a stereoselective construction of the (E)-methoxycarbonylmethylidene functionality resulting in formation of the core framework of the diacetylenic spiroacetal enol ether natural products. Chemical transformations of the 1,6-dioxaspiro4.5]decane derivative thus formed led to the first total synthesis of (-)-AL-2. reaction: see text]