Asymmetric synthesis of 6'-hydroxyarenarol: the proposed biosynthetic precursor to popolohuanone E

The first synthesis of (+)-6'-hydroxyarenarol 3, the proposed biogenetic precursor to popolohuanone E (1), is described. An enantioselective route to key iodide intermediate 12 has been developed allowing the asymmetric synthesis of the known cis-decalin 22. Conditions which allow the removal of the methyl ether protecting groups on the hydroxyarene leaving the exocyclic methylene moiety in tact have also been developed to complete this synthesis.