De novo asymmetric synthesis of anamarine and its analogues

reaction: see text] The enantioselective synthesis of anamarine has been achieved in 21 steps. The route relies on enantio- and regioselective Sharpless dihydroxylation of dienoate ester and zinc borohydride reduction to establish the C-8-C-11 stereochemistry. A diastereoselective Leighton allylation established the desired C-5 stereochemistry. The route has also been used to prepare two diastereoisomers of anamarine in 14 steps.