First asymmetric total synthesis of synerazol, an antifungal antibiotic, and determination of its absolute stereochemistry

By synthesizing two possible diastereomers, the first asymmetric total synthesis of synerazol, an antifungal antibiotic, has been accomplished, allowing determination of its absolute stereochemistry. A more practical second generation route was also established. The key steps are racemization-free deprotection of a TIPS group and introduction of a methyl ether by DMD oxidation of the benzylidene moiety in a substrate having a small protecting group.