The convergent total synthesis of Sch725674 has been accomplished by starting from (R)-1,2-epoxyheptane and assembling five modules in a highly stereoselective manner to give the final product in 6.6% overall yield. The same strategy was extended to the synthesis of its C-4 epimer. Key reactions of the synthetic pathway include a Jacobsen hydrolytic kinetic resolution of an epoxide followed by its regioselective opening through a Yamaguchi-Hirao alkynylation, and ring-closing metathesis reaction to furnish the unique 14-membered ring macrolactone. In addition, the influence of protecting groups on the efficiency of the ring-closing metathesis (RCM) macrocyclization has been studied to maximize its yields.

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