Stereoselective synthesis of pamamycin-607

A macrodiolide antibiotic pamamycin-607 was synthesized by joining two hydroxy acid components. Three cis-2, 5-disubstituted tetrahydrofuran rings in the molecule were stereoselectively prepared by radical cyclization reactions of beta-alkoxyvinyl ketone intermediates and a beta-alkoxymethacrylate substrate. The key step of the synthesis is characterized by the predominant threo product formation in the radical cyclization reaction of a beta-alkoxymethacrylate intermediate.