Total asymmetric synthesis of macrolactin A analogue was accomplished by the convergent strategy. Rapid access to advanced intermediate 16 through isomerization of ynone to (E,E)-conjugated dienone is a key step of this synthesis. Overall, control of all of the four stereocenters was achieved by means of asymmetric and diastereoselective reactions without using any chiral natural sources. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.