A new and highly stereoselective synthesis of the C-1-C-7 segment of (
+)-discodermolide, the marine natural product having the potent immuno
suppressive activity, is described in which the stereospecific methyla
tion of gamma,delta-epoxy acrylate with trimethylaluminum and the intr
amolecular conjugate addition of an acetal alkoxide anion are involved
as key steps.