Synthetic Studies toward Actinorhodin and γ‐Actinorhodin by using a Homo‐coupling Strategy: Synthesis of Hemiactinorhodin and Hemi‐γ‐actinorhodin

Abstract A homo‐coupling strategy toward the synthesis of actinorhodin and γ‐actinorhodin has been explored. The monomeric unit was synthesized by employing an efficient combination of Dötz benzannulation and oxa‐Pictet–Spengler reactions. Attempts towards oxidative homo‐coupling of the pyranonaphthalene monomer intermediate to give dimer were unsuccessful. Later, monomer pyranonaphthalene was carried forward to complete the synthesis of hemiactinorhodin and hemi‐γ‐actinorhodin.