Stereospecific epoxidation of anthracyclinones: a route to 8(r)-methoxydaunomycinone

Stereoselective epoxidation of $\text{1}$, the 7,8-unsaturated derivative of daunomycinone, followed by $\text{trans}$ opening of the epoxide $\text{2}$, afforded 8(R)-methoxydaunomycinone $\text{6a}$; its configuration at C-8 was determined by chemical correlation and PMR studies.