A Short Biomimetic Synthesis of the Meroterpenoids Guajadial and Psidial A

The biosynthesis of the meroterpenoid guajadial was previously hypothesized to occur via a hetero-Diels−Alder reaction between caryophyllene and an o-quinone methide. This hypothesis has been verified via the biomimetic synthesis of guajadial and psidial A in an aqueous three-component coupling reaction, between caryophyllene, benzaldehyde, and diformylphloroglucinol.