Palladium-induced cyclizations for the synthesis of cis-2,5-disubstituted-3-methylenetetrahydrofurans: studies of the C7-C22 core of amphidinolide K.

[formula: see text] The diastereoselective synthesis of cis-2,5-disubstituted-3-methylenetetrahydrofurans via Pd(0)-catalyzed cyclization of 2-methylene-1,4-diols is described. Investigations into the scope of the reaction and its application toward the synthesis of amphidinolide K is reported.