Studies on the Total Synthesis of the Saponaceolides. 2. Enantioselective Synthesis of 2-epi-Saponaceolide B.

The paper describes an asymmetric convergent synthesis of 2-epi-saponaceolide B, illustrating a general approach to the construction of the saponaceolide structure. The strategic C10'-C11' bond was formed by coupling a lithium salt containing the left part of the molecule with a carbonyl derivative representing the right part.