Radical cyclization reaction of a bis(beta-alkoxyacrylate) intermediat
e prepared from (-)-diethyl D-tartrate proceeded stereoselectively to
give a 2,6-dioxabicyclo[3.3.0]octane product, which was converted into
a known intermediate in the synthesis of kumausallene. (C) 1997 Elsev
ier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.