FD-891, a structurally unique 16-membered macrolide having anticancer activity, was synthesized according to a strategy employing asymmetric allylation, Prins cyclization, cross-metathesis reaction, Yamaguchi lactonization, and Julia-Kocienski olefination.
A stereoselective synthesis of the C1-C12 fragment of the naturally occurring, cytotoxic macrolide FD-891, is described. The initial chirality was created via an asymmetric Evans aldol reaction. Two other asymmetric reactions, a Sharpless epoxidation and an aldehyde Brown allylation were further key steps of the synthesis.