A synthetic strategy for natural (+)-FR900482 (1) war developed by featuring a convergent and enantioselective sequence which commences with S-hydroxyisophthalic acid and L-diethyl tartrate. The proposed key intermediate 4 was synthesized starting from FK973, the triacetyl derivative of 1, and successful reconversion of 4 into 1 was also achieved. These preliminary studies definitely demonstrated that 4 is suitable as a potential relay compound toward 1 and that the crucial final sequence of reactions (4-->1) involving delicate deprotection and oxidation steps can be realized. Copyright (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd