A stereoselective synthesis of the C(1)-C(16) fragment of the bryostatins

A synthesis of the C(1)-C(16) fragment of the brysostatins has been developed. Key steps are the stereoselective copper(I) catalysed addition of allylmagnesium bromide to an alkynyl ester, a condensation of a βγ-unsaturated aldehyde with a ketophosphonate, and the formation of the B-ring under mild conditions by stereoselective intramolecular conjugate addition.