Synthesis of the spiroacetal fragment of broussonetine H

(2S,6S)-2-(3-Bromopropyl)-1,7-dioxaspiro[5.5]undecane 3 was prepared by the addition of the acetylide derived from (4S)-4-benzyloxy-7-tert-butyldiphenylsilyloxyhep-1-yne 8 to delta-valerolactone 6 followed by treatment with hydrogen and palladium on charcoal which effected hydrogenation of the alkyne, hydrogenolysis of the benzyl ether and subsequent spiroacetal formation. The (4S)-stereochemistry in acetylene 8 was established by addition of trimethylsilylacetylene 10 to (2S)-epoxide 9, which in turn is derived from L-glutamic acid 11. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.