IMDA reaction in a synthetic approach towards a natural kijamicin aglycon analog

In our program of new macrocyclic antibiotic derivatives synthesis, a natur al kijamicin analog was isolated, disclosing important antibiotic and antiv iral properties, which are under investigation. In this paper we describe a synthesis of the bottom half C1-C14 (n = 1) of its aglycon. This strategy was based on the preparation of a tetraene derivative via a palladium catal yzed Stille coupling reaction, the final step involving an IMDA cyclization key step. (C) 2001 Academie des sciences / Editions scientifiques et medic ales Elsevier SAS.