Asymmetric Total Synthesis of (−)‐Merrilactone A: Use of a Bulky Protecting Group as Long‐Range Stereocontrolling Element

Designer elegance: The transannular aldol reaction of a cyclooctene diketone is the key step in this total synthesis of the natural enantiomer of merrilactone A (see scheme). The configuration of the two stereocenters generated in the formation of the central bicyclo[3.3.0]octane framework of the natural product was established using a specially designed bulky protecting group.