Synthesis of the C29-C37 bicyclic ether core of (+)-sorangicin A.

Construction of the unique bicyclic bis-ether core of the macrolide (+)-sorangicin A has been achieved. This fragment was prepared by utilizing a one-pot cascade of three bond forming events. An epoxide opening of the epoxy tosylate 2 led to the formation of the tetrahydropyran and subsequently to a second epoxide. Finally, a second epoxide opening closed the tetrahydrofuran ring. The bicyclic fragment was synthesized in just nine steps from (E)-cinnamaldehyde.