The development of a convergent and efficient enantioselective synthesis of the bengamides via a common polyol intermediate

Article abstract of DOI:10.1002/hlca.200290026

An efficient, general synthetic route to the bengamide family of antitumor agents from a common polyol thioester is described. Consecutive aldol condensations afford the protected polyol thioester side chain suitable for coupling to the bengamides. A novel chiral-phase-transfer-catalyzed enantioselective alkylation affords the properly functionalized caprolactams required for the synthesis of more-complex members of the bengamide family. Use of the methyl 2-naphthyl ether protecting group, compatible with the boron Lewis acids required for enantioselective aldol condensation, allows direct access to all the bengamides.