Synthesis of the Polycyclic Ring Systems of Artocarpol A and D

The first synthesis of the polycyclic ring systems of artocarpol A and D has been accomplished. These natural products were isolated recently from the root bark of Artocarpus rigida, and artocarpol A has been shown to have potent antiinflammatory properties. The synthesis of an artocarpol D analogue was achieved on condensation of 11H-dibenzo[b,f]oxepin-10-one with senecialdehyde. The reaction of this oxepinone with citral afforded a 2H-pyran that on subsequent irradiation afforded an analogue of artocarpol A. [reaction: see text]