Total Synthesis of (+)-Kingianin A by Enantioselective Cycloaddition of Strained Cyclobutenone

Abstract

We report here the first asymmetric total synthesis of (+)-kingianin A via dimerization of an enantioenriched bicyclo[4.2.0]octadiene. The synthesis features a chiral oxazaborolidinium ion catalyzed Diels–Alder reaction of strained cyclobutenone and stereoselective functionalization of the cyclobutane ring. A preliminary biological study indicated that (+)-kingianin A exhibits potent anticancer activities.