Total synthesis of aculeatins A and B via a tethered oxa-Michael approach

A stereocontrolled total synthesis of aculeatins A and B has been achieved in eight steps and in 15% overall yield. The key feature of this synthetic approach is the application of a Marouka allylation and tethered intrarmolecular oxa-Michael reaction to install the required stereocentres on the tetrahydropyran ring. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.