Improved synthesis of the ABCDE fragment of brevetoxin A

A second-generation synthesis of the BCDE fragment of brevetoxin A is described. Novel reactions were developed that extend the utility of the asymmetric glycolate alkylation reaction and improve scale-up to provide gram quantities of the B and E subunits. Significant improvements to the convergent assembly of the tetracycle were also realized. In addition, formation of the A ring lactone was accomplished to complete the ABCDE pentacycle.