Synthesis of a C1–C12 Fragment of Gulmirecin B

Abstract

The synthesis of a C1–C14 fragment of the macrolide antibiotic gulmirecin B through formation of the C7–C8 bond by addition of a vinyllithium intermediate to a C1–C7 aldehyde was investigated. This crucial coupling was successful with a vinyllithium reagent corresponding to a C8–C12 fragment. The C8–C12 vinyl bromide was prepared from l-malic acid. The C1–C7 aldehyde building block was synthesized from hex-5-enoic acid by using an Evans alkylation, a cross-metathesis, and an asymmetric dihydroxylation as key steps.