Synthesis of a Dimethylfuran-Containing Macrolide Insect Pheromone

Abstract

The synthetic pathway to the furan-containing macrolide pheromone (1) of Galerucella beetles was shortened from 13 steps in the original synthesis to 10 steps, and the overall yield was increased greater than six-fold. A concise Reformatsky-based sequence of reactions was utilized to construct the key precursor, 2,3-dimethyl-2-butenolide. Reduction of the butenolide with diisobutylaluminum hydride afforded 3,4-dimethylfuran. A one-pot sequence of lithiation, alkylation by a tetrahydropyranyl (THP)-containing iodide, a second lithiation, and, finally, formylation gave the required tetrasubstituted furan intermediate, 3,4-dimethyl-5-[5-(tetrahydrofuran-2-yloxy)pentyl]-2-furaldehyde. To continue construction of the three-carbon acyl side chain, the aldehyde was converted to an unsaturated ester by a Horner–Wadsworth–Emmons (HWE) condensation with triethyl phosphonoacetate. After reduction of the double bond in the ester side chain and removal of protective groups, the lactone ring was closed using the Mitsunobu method, which is milder, is simpler, and could be accomplished with less solvent than the previous (Yamaguchi) method.