A formal total synthesis of (−)‐taxol by a convergent approach utilizing Pd‐catalyzed intramolecular alkenylation is described. Formation of the eight‐membered carbocyclic ring has been a problem in the convergent total synthesis of taxol but it was solved by the Pd‐catalyzed intramolecular alkenylation of a methyl ketone affording the cyclized product in excellent yield (97 %), indicating the high
Construction of the taxane skeleton via the stereoselective conjugate addition of cyanide and the intramolecular B-alkyl Suzuki–Miyaura coupling reaction
Construction of the taxaneskeleton via the stereoselective conjugate addition of cyanide and the intramolecular B-alkyl Suzuki–Miyaura coupling reaction is described. A conjugate addition of cyanide to enone 17 proceeded diastereoselectively to provide the desired 18 incorporating the correct C3 stereogenic center in the taxol C-ring. The intramolecular B-alkyl Suzuki–Miyaura coupling reaction of 22, which