A highly convergent synthesis of the central dimeric core of the potent antibiotic macrolide rhizopodin is reported. Notable features of the highly concise route include an effective preparation of the key C8-C22 building block based on an iridium-catalyzed Krische allylation and a chemoselective cross-coupling approach toward the macrocycle involving a highly advantageous Heck reaction for macrocyclization
The aldol addition of an enol(ate) to a carbonyl compound is one of the most powerful and versatile C-C bond forming reactions. In complex target synthesis the coupling of two chiral partners may complicate the stereochemical outcome by multiple stereoinductions. Here, we report studies on pivotal aldol couplings employed in the rhizopodin synthesis, detailing the various directing effects exerted by the stereogenic centers present in this sterically hindered connection.