(+)-Rimocidin synthetic studies. Construction of an advanced C(1-18) polyol fragment.

[structure: see text] The synthesis of an appropriately functionalized advanced C(1-18) polyol fragment of the mycosamine-glycosylated polyene macrolide, (+)-rimocidin (1), has been achieved in a highly efficient manner. Highlights of the strategy include the S(N)2/S(N)2' addition of dithiane anions to vinyl epoxides and the multicomponent linchpin union of 2-TBS-1,3-dithiane with two advanced epoxides.