Small-molecule diversity using a skeletal transformation strategy

reaction: see text] We describe a short synthetic sequence resulting in >4000 skeletally diverse small molecules that have three distinct skeletal frameworks among other unique structural features. The sequence entails skeletal transformations pioneered by Winterfeldt and co-workers. We use epoxide ring openings and subsequent functionalizations that provide, e.g., spirocyclic oxazolidines, Lewis acid catalyzed Diels-Alder reactions of a steroid-derived diene that afford stable and isolable ring B adducts, and subsequent retro-Diels-Alder fragmentations that yield 14-membered paracyclophanes.