New Concise and Efficient Synthesis of Rubrolides C and E via Intramolecular Wittig Reaction

A short total synthesis of rubrolides C and E has been achieved in four steps, using readily available 4-methoxyacetophenone, 2-bromoacetic acid, and the appropriate aromatic aldehyde, in 46 and 45% yield, respectively. Key reactions involved are a-tosyloxylation of the aryl methyl ketone, intramolecular Wittig reaction, Knoevenagel condensation, and demethylation.