Synthesis of gingerol and diarylheptanoids

The synthesis of gingerol 1 and related compounds 2-5 along with diarylheptanoids 6-8 has been accomplished using a Keck allylation, Crimmins' aldol reaction, aldehyde coupling with acetylene, and chelation controlled reductions as the key reactions. The absolute configuration of these molecules was confirmed by preparing their acetonide derivatives and by comparison of the NMR data with natural compounds. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.