Total synthesis of polymorphatin A, a macrocyclic bisbibenzyl with boat configured arenes

Polymorphatin A was reported as a constituent of Marchantia polymorpha in 2007 following much speculation as to its likely existence as a natural product. Interest was rekindled when a claimed total synthesis revealed inconsistencies in spectral data between the synthetic sample and those reported for the natural product. Herein we describe a total synthesis of polymorphatin A, supported by an X-ray crystal structure of its trimethyl ether, that adds further intrigue as our synthetic sample displays physical and spectral characteristics that differ from data provided in the aforementioned reports. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.