| Abstract: | Synthesis of Recifeiolide The synthesis of the mould metabolite recifeiolide (VIII), a 12-membered ring lactone, is described. 1,3-Butandiol was resolved with (?)-camphanic acid via (R)-1-iodo-3-butanol (II) into (R)-3-hydroxybutyl triphenyl phosphonium iodide (III). Wittig condensation of the phosphorane derived from III with methyl 8-oxo-octanoate (V) led to the methyl trans-11-hydroxy-8-dodecenoate (VI). The corresponding hydroxy acid VII was transformed into the S-(2-pyridyl) carbothioate which cyclizes under the influence of silver ion to the lactone VIII. With (?)-(R)-1,3-butandiol (I) as starting material the naturally occurring (+)-(R)-recifeiolide (VIII) is produced in 70% yield from VII. |
