A New Efficient Synthesis of Both Enantiomers of Macrosphelide Core: A Potential Precursor for Functionalized Macrosphelides

The asymmetric synthesis of a macrosphelide core (1) and its enantiomer was achieved from (S)-or (R)-3-hydroxybutyrate in excellent yields.These compounds are potentially useful precursors for the preparation of biologically important macrosphelide analogues.Recently macrosphelides A-L, isolated from Microsphaeropsis sp.FO-5050 and Periconia byssoides, have been well recognized as important potential lead compounds for a new drug against cancer due to their strong inhibitory activities on the adhesion of human cells. 1 These natural products possess characteristic 16-membered macrocyclic lactone structures and oxygen-functionalities at their 8 and/or 14 positions (Figure 1).