Asymmetric Total Synthesis of Dragonbloodins A1 and A2

The first asymmetric total synthesis of dragonbloodins A1 and A2, a pair of unprecedented chalcone-flavan heterotrimmers, has been achieved through a series of rationally designed or bioinspired transformations. Key elements of the synthesis include a highly efficient heterotrimerization reaction to assemble the two chalcone units and one flavan unit in one pot and a tandem oxidative dearomatization/cyclization/oxygenation reaction to forge the polycyclic core of dragonbloodins A1 and A2. The present synthesis unambiguously confirms the biogenetic relationship and absolute stereochemistry of dragonbloodins A1 and A2.