Studies toward the Tricyclic Core of Phomactin A. Synthesis of the Reduced Furanochroman Subunit

An approach to the tricyclic core of phomactin A is described via the synthesis of a reduced furanochroman model. Key elements of this study include the use of a highly functionalized 1-oxadecalone derivative as a template for the stereoselective introduction of functionality and a tandem retro aldol-epoxide opening-cyclization sequence for elaboration of the dihydrofuran ring.