An asymmetric synthesis of an advanced intermediate in the synthesis o
f natural (-)-pumiliotoxin C has been achieved in six steps and in 61%
overall yield employing as the key step a highly diastereoselective l
ithium amide 1,4-conjugate addition to a dienoic ester derived from (R
)-(+)-pulegone. (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd