Introduction to the Total Synthesis of Lactone-Containing Natural Products Using ZrCl4

Abstract

The construction of the molecules of nature in the laboratory from simple molecules or atoms is known as total synthesis [1]. The total synthesis of natural products continues to be one of the most fascinating and well-studied areas of organic chemistry. Natural products and designed analogues continues to be the greatest source of potential new pharmaceuticals. The discovery and application of new and interesting methodologies of use in total synthesis is vital to the goals of designing shorter, more elegant and ultimately more reliable syntheses of natural products and analogues.