A stereoselective synthesis of potent cytotoxic macrolides, 11-alpha-methoxycurvularin and 11-beta-methoxycurvularin has been accomplished. The synthesis entailed Maruoka asymmetric allylation to introduce the stereocentres at C-11 and the key fragment was installed by using Grubbs cross-metathesis followed by CBS-reduction. (C) 2009 Published by Elsevier Ltd.