Studies Towards the Total Synthesis of (-)-Caulerpenynol, a Toxic Sesquiterpenoid of the Green Seaweed Caulerpa taxifolia
Abstract
The first diastereoselective synthesis of the antimicrobial and cytotoxic agent (−)-caulerpenynol 2 has been achieved in relatively few steps from the commercially available (S)-malic acid. Highlights of this synthesis include the non racemization of sensitive α-hydroxy ketone and the adequate choice of the protecting groups for critical last deprotection step.