Concise synthesis of bufogargarizin B by a conformation-controlled skeletal reorganization approach

Bufogargarizins are a class of unique 19-norbufadienolides isolated from the venom of Bufo bufo gargarizans. Here we report a concise synthesis of bufogargarizin B from inexpensive, commercially available dehydroepiandrosterone by means of a conformation-controlled skeletal reorganization approach. The synthesis features the rapid construction of the 5/7/6/5 tetracyclic core framework by means of a SmI₂-mediated ketone-allylic acetate transannular cyclization, and the installation of stereochemically diverse 5,7- and 7,5-fused ring systems through a biomimetic retro-aldol/transannular aldol cascade reaction. In addition, an efficient, scalable synthesis of 2-pyrone-5-boronate, a key building block for the introduction of the side chain of bufadienolides, has been developed, and the highly functionalized all-cis D ring of bufogargarizin B is installed by means of a series of highly chemo- and regioselective redox transformations. This work vividly demonstrates that conformational control plays a critical role in the precise installation of desired stereocenters in transannular cyclization products.