Total synthesis of a dienynone from Echinacea pallida

The first total synthesis of (8Z,13Z)-pentadeca-8,13-dien-11-yn-2-one is described. This dienynone was recently isolated from the n-hexane extract of Echinacea pallida roots and displayed a selective cytotoxic activity toward cancer cells, thus featuring as a potential anticancer lead. The product was obtained in 11 steps in 25% overall yield. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.