Exploring Biosynthetic Relationships among Furanocembranoids: Synthesis of (−)-Bipinnatin J, (+)-Intricarene, (+)-Rubifolide, and (+)-Isoepilophodione B

The asymmetric total synthesis of (-)-bipinnatin J and its conversion into (+)-intricarene through a transannular 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition is described. In addition, the conversion of (-)-bipinnatin J into (+)-rubifolide and (+)-isoepilophodione B is reported. Biosynthetic relationships among furanocembranoids and the possible role of 1,3-dipolar cycloadditions in biosynthesis are discussed. [reaction: see text]