Stereoselective formation of tetrahydrofuran rings via [3 + 2] annulation: total synthesis of Plakortone L.

The [3 + 2] annulation of 2,3-O-isopropylidene-aldehydo-aldose with methallyl ether leads to the stereoselective formation of a substituted tetrahydrofuran system, which is converted to a bicyclic lactone derivative via consecutive deprotection, oxidative cleavage of the terminal diol, oxidation of the resulting lactol, and Barton-McCombie deoxygenation. The efficiency of this process was demonstrated by the first total synthesis of Plakortone L.