Iron(III) catalyzed direct synthesis of cis-2,7-disubstituted oxepanes. The shortest total synthesis of (+)-isolaurepan.

Prins cyclization of bis-homoallylic alcohols with aldehydes catalyzed by iron(III) salts shows excellent cis selectivity and yields to form 2,7-disubstituted oxepanes. The iron(III) is able to catalyze this process with unactivated olefins. This cyclization was used as the key step in the shortest total synthesis of (+)-isolaurepan.