The norsesquiterpene lactone, platyphyllide has been synthesized in 8 steps
in 23% overall yield via the Diels-Alder adduct of 2-(4-methylpent-3-enyl)
furan with dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate, the 3-substituted phthalic dies
ter, and an o-formylbenzamide. An intramolecular ene reaction established t
he skeleton, and the final step involved inversion of configuration at the
benzylic site.