Synthesis of Elemane Bis-Lactones from Santonin – Synthesis of the Reported Structure ofseco-Isoerivanin Pseudo Acid and Formal Synthesis of (+)-8-Deoxyvernolepin

Abstract

The synthesis of the reported structure for seco-isoerivanin pseudo acid (1) and of an elemane bis-lactone 5 from santonin (4) through a common vinylic precursor 12 is described. Compound 5 is a known intermediate in a previous synthesis of the antitumor compound (+)-8-deoxyvernolepin (3). The vinyl group of 12 underwent a regio- and diastereoselective anti addition of an external electrophile and an intramolecular condensation to yield either the selenolactone 13 or the hydroxylactone 17. The lactones 13 and 17 served as key intermediates in the total synthesis of 1 and 5 respectively. A revision of the structure of seco-isoerivanin pseudo acid to the C-10 epimer is suggested on the basis of comparison between the spectral data of the natural and synthetic products.