Stereoselective synthesis of maresin 1

Maresin 1 is a potent anti-inflammatory and pro-resolving lipid mediator derived from docosahexaenoic acid. The total synthesis of maresin 1 is achieved in 10 steps and in 7% overall yield. The Evans Nagao aldol reaction between (2E,4E)-5-bromopenta-2,4-dienal and different chiral auxiliaries is investigated. The reported synthesis is efficient and highly stereoselective, affording multi-milligram quantities of this biologically interesting lipid mediator. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.