Two approaches toward the total synthesis of cytotoxic polyketide natural product (+)-crocacin C (1) are described. The first approach, which was ultimately unsuccessful, was replaced altogether with a second that afforded target 1 in 10 linear steps from commercially available Evans' chiral propionimide (5% overall yield). No protecting groups were utilized in the total synthesis of 1. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
[GRAPHICS]The cytotoxic natural product (+)-crocacin C (1) has been synthesized in 10 linear steps from commercially available Evans' chiral propionimide. in 5% overall yield (8 steps from Evans' chiral dipropionate synthon). No protecting groups were utilized.