Synthesis (and alternative proof of configuration) of the scyphostatin C(1')-C(20') trienoyl fragment

reaction--see text] Each of four diastereomers of structure 2, corresponding to the lipophilic side chain of scyphostatin (1), were prepared. Careful analysis of their NMR spectral data and comparison with those of the natural product corroborates the recently reported (Org. Lett. 2000, 2, 505) stereochemical assignment. A strategy for the stereoselective synthesis of 2 has been achieved.