Synthesis of a protected C‐11/C‐17 segment of mycinolide‐V

Starting from D‐ribonolactone, the cyclopentylidene‐protected dihydroxy ester 12 was prepared in five steps. Reaction of its enolate 13 with benzyloxymethyl iodide gave the esters 15 and 16 with modest selectivity. Each of these was converted into the desired mycinolide building block 32 in seven and six steps, respectively.