Asymmetric total synthesis of filamentous fungi related resorcylic acid lactones 7-epi-zeaenol and zeaenol

An efficient, short and, a convenient asymmetric total synthesis of filamentous fungi related resorcylic acid lactones 7-epi-zeaenol ( 2 ) and zeaenol ( 1 ) have been achieved in 7 and 9 linear steps with the high overall yield of 32% and 21% respectively, from the known intermediate 13 . Mitsunobu inversion, De Brabander’s protocol for macrolactonisation, Heck cross-coupling, diastereoselective alkyne aldehyde coupling and Ohira–Bestmann alkynylation are the key reactions.