Alkene-alkyne coupling as a linchpin: an efficient and convergent synthesis of amphidinolide P.

A short and efficient synthesis of the cytotoxic macrolide amphidinolide P is described. A remarkably chemo- and regioselective ruthenium-catalyzed alkene-alkyne coupling allows for a convergent synthesis and demonstrates that both enynes and beta-lactones are suitable coupling partners. This work also features a novel strategy for the preparation of macrolactones via intramolecular transesterification of beta-lactones. The target structure was prepared in 15 steps for the longest linear sequence and 10% overall yield, 24 steps total.