Dienyne ring-closing metathesis approach for the construction of taxosteroids

A cascade dienyne ring-closing metathesis approach has been applied to the synthesis of the tetracyclic carbon framework of a new class of hybrid compounds-the taxosteroids-possessing carbon frameworks incorporating moieties characteristic of both taxanes (such as AB rings) and steroids (i.e., CD system and side chain). This tandem cyclization is highly stereoselective, allowing the one-step formation of the bicyclo5.3.1]undecene system characteristic of taxol. In this work we describe the scope and limitations of such cyclizations.