Diastereoselective Synthesis of 2,3,6-Trisubstituted Tetrahydropyran-4-ones via Prins Cyclizations of Enecarbamates: A Formal Synthesis of (+)-Ratjadone A

Enecarbamates are shown to be excellent terminating groups for Prins cyclizations. A noteworthy feature of this methodology is the easy, stereoselective construction of the cyclization precursors by alkylation of metalated (E)-enecarbamates with epoxides. The stereochemistry of the resultant trisubstituted (E)-enecarbamates is then transferred with high fidelity to afford the frequently observed and biologically significant all-cis-2,3,6-trisubstituted tetrahydropyran substructures of naturally occurring compounds. Other substituted tetrahydropyrans, including 2,3,5,6-tetrasubstituted, cis-2,3-disubstituted, and cis-2,6-disubstituted, are also accessible. This methodology facilitated an exceptionally concise formal total synthesis of the nuclear export inhibitor (+)-ratjadone A.