Stereocontrolled synthesis of polyfunctionalized cis-decalins from 2-methoxyphenols: total syntheses of (+/-)-eremopetasidione, (+/-)-3 beta-angeloyloxyfuranoeremophilane, and (+/-)-3 beta-methacryloyloxyfuranoeremophilane.

A four-step stereocontrolled synthesis of polyfunctionalized cis-decalins is described, involving oxidation of 2-methoxyphenol, intermolecular Diels-Alder reaction, olefination, and Cope rearrangement. Application of this efficient strategy to the total syntheses of (+/-)-eremopetasidione, (+/-)-3 beta-angeloyloxyfuranoeremophilane, and (+/-)-3 beta-methacryloyloxyfuranoeremophilane was accomplished from creosol and ethyl vinyl ketone via a common intermediate 21.