(+)-4-Deoxygigantecin (1) was totally synthesized from enantiomericall
y pure (-)-muricatacin (3). Thus, 3 afforded the key intermediate 5 th
rough a five-step reaction sequence, which was then converted to (+)-4
-deoxygigantecin (1) via the formation of bis-tetrahydrofuran unit 1 1
and a coupling reaction with iodo lactone synthon 1 6. (C) 1997 Elsev
ier Science Ltd.