The catalytic asymmetric polyene cyclization of homofarnesol to ambrox

Polyene cyclizations are among the most complex and challenging transformations in biology. In a single reaction step, multiple carbon–carbon bonds, ring systems and stereogenic centres are constituted from simple, acyclic precursors 1 – 3 . Simultaneously achieving this kind of precise control over product distribution and stereochemistry poses a formidable task for chemists. In particular, the polyene cyclization of (3 E ,7 E )-homofarnesol to the valuable naturally occurring ambergris odorant (−)-ambrox is recognized as a longstanding challenge in chemical synthesis 1 , 4 – 7 . Here we report a diastereoselective and enantioselective synthesis of (−)-ambrox and the sesquiterpene lactone natural product (+)-sclareolide by a catalytic asymmetric polyene cyclization by using a highly Brønsted-acidic and confined imidodiphosphorimidate catalyst in the presence of fluorinated alcohols. Several experiments, including deuterium-labelling studies, suggest that the reaction predominantly proceeds through a concerted pathway in line with the Stork–Eschenmoser hypothesis 8 – 10 . Mechanistic studies show the importance of the enzyme-like microenvironment of the imidodiphosphorimidate catalyst for attaining exceptionally high selectivities, previously thought to be achievable only in enzyme-catalysed polyene cyclizations. The catalytic asymmetric polyene cyclization of homofarnesol to ambrox is achieved using a highly Brønsted-acidic and confined imidodiphosphorimidate catalyst.