Total synthesis of (±)-asteltoxin

Article abstract of DOI:10.1021/ja00327a020

A convergent synthesis of (±)-asteltoxin has been achieved in 16 steps (3.0% overall yield) from 3,4-dimethylfuran. The attachment of the triene pyrone side chain to the bis(tetrahydrofuran) skeleton proceeds by way of the addition of the Corey equivalent to anion 3 to the aldehyde 2 and a subsequent aldol condensation-dehydration reaction of pyrone 4.