Enantioselective Total Synthesis of RQN-18690A (18-Deoxyherboxidiene)

The first total synthesis of RQN-18690A (18-deoxyherboxidiene) and the determination of its absolute stereochemical configuration are described. The synthesis features an organocatalytic aldol reaction for the first step, 1,4- and 1,2- dual reductions of α,β-unsaturated δ-lactone followed by a domino reaction in a one-pot operation, and diastereoselective epoxidation with kinetic resolution.