Total synthesis of (+)-cystothiazole A.

[structure: see text]. The total synthesis of cystothiazole A is described. Key steps of the synthesis include an Evans asymmetric catalytic aldol reaction, which established the required C4-C5 stereochemistry. The [2,4']-bis(thiazole) was obtained applying our methodology of electrophilic activation of amide. Semistabilized Wittig reaction between the phosphonium salt 3 and the aldehyde 2 afforded 1 in nine linear steps and 38% overall yield.