Short synthesis of the C1-C14 stretch of discodermolide from building blocks prepared by asymmetric catalysis.

A convergent and stereoselective synthesis of the C1-C14 stretch of (+)-discodermolide demonstrates the utility of the "asymmetric catalysis approach" to complex polypropionates. The preparation of this complex synthon requires 15 steps in the longest linear sequence and 19 steps total from inexpensive materials.