Synthesis of a C22-34 subunit of the immunosuppressant FK-506

Article abstract of DOI:10.1021/jo00127a031

A new route to the C22-34 subunit of FK-506 was developed. A highly diastereoselective Diels-Alder reaction of 1,3-butadiene with the bis-acrylate of (R,R)-hydrobenzoin and subsequent saponification provided the cyclohexenecarboxylic acid 6.4 of 95% ee. Elaboration to the enal 9.2 was effected by known transformations. Enal 9.2 underwent diastereoselective and enantiospecific S(E)2' addition of allenyl stannane (S)-3.9 affording the homopropargylic alcohol 9.3 as an 85:15 syn/anti mixture. The PMB ether 9.5 was converted to the known benzylidene derivative 10.4 by sequential treatment with Red-Al, epoxidation, a second reduction with Red-Al, and oxidative benzylidene formation with DDQ.