A synthetic approach to sporotricale methylether

A synthetic approach to sporotricale methylether, a metabolite of the fungus Sporotrichum laxum with inhibitory activity against Helicobacter pylori, is described. The synthesis relies on the condensation of 13-hydroxy-10-oxotetradecanal, prepared via reaction of a sulfone-activated moiety with valerolactone, with diethyl 3,5-dimethoxyphthalide-7-phosphonate.