A radical cyclization approach to the formal total syntheses of platencin

Two different strategies leading to formal total syntheses of platencin are described. The first strategy involving Claisen rearrangement and radical cyclization provides a rapid access to the core structure of platencin, and also use minimum protective-group operations. The second strategy, a protecting group-free route, utilizes a 6-exo-trig radical cyclization and aldol condensation as key steps leading to the formal synthesis of platencin.