10.1016/j.tet.2011.03.107
The research describes the development of a stereoselective total synthesis route for the natural product (?)-cleistenolide, derived from D-(?)-isoascorbic acid. The purpose of this study is to develop a new synthetic strategy for (?)-cleistenolide, a compound with significant biomedical importance due to its antibacterial and antifungal activities. The key steps in this synthesis include highly diastereoselective reduction, one-pot protection of required benzoyl and acetyl groups, and a ring-closing metathesis (RCM) reaction using the Grubbs catalyst. The synthesis starts from D-(?)-isoascorbic acid, which is converted into various intermediates through a series of reactions involving reagents such as TBDMSCl for protection, DIBAL-H for reduction, and K-Selectride for selective diastereomeric reduction. The RCM reaction using the Grubbs second generation catalyst is crucial for forming the desired ring structure. The final product, (?)-cleistenolide, is obtained with an overall yield of 18% and its physical and spectroscopic data match those of the natural product. The study concludes that the developed synthetic route is highly diastereoselective and efficient, providing a valuable method for the synthesis of (?)-cleistenolide and potentially other related bioactive compounds.