Total synthesis of psymberin

ORGN 19

Lawrence J. Williams, ljw@rutchem.rutgers.edu, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 610 Taylor Rd, Piscataway, NJ 08854
Epoxidation of the two double bonds of an allene gives rise to a spiro-fused diepoxide. The axial chirality of the allene is transformed into at least two centers of chirality and results in the formation of a strong electrophile. Thus a single maneuver can effect the stereoselective introduction of two oxygen atoms and subsequent opening of the spirodiepoxide can lead to highly functionalized arrays. Consequently, spirodiepoxides have considerable potential in synthesis. This lecture will focus on the strategic consequences that this functionality brings to the science of synthesis as illustrated by the preparation of the titled compound.