Divergent total synthesis of aspinolides B, E and J

Stereoselective total synthesis of aspinolides B, E and J, naturally occurring 10-membered lactones, were accomplished by divergent strategies starting from the commercially available 2,3-O-isopropylidene-d-ribose and methyl d-lactate. The synthesis features rapid access to the both key fragments from chiral pool and the formation of 10-membered ring lactones containing trans double bond employing cross-metathesis reaction (CM) and intramolecular Shiina macrolactonization.