Stereoselective synthesis of the C1-C13 fragment of bistramide A

The C1-C13 fragment of bistramide A was prepared from 5-hexenoic acid in 15 linear steps and in 16% overall yield. The core 2,6-trans-tetrahydropyran ring was obtained via a kinetically controlled oxa-Michael cyclization from the corresponding chiral alpha,beta-unsaturated hydroxyester. This precursor was prepared by using a diastereoselective alkylation reaction using Davies Superquat auxiliary and a diastereoselective Roush's allylboration as key steps. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.