Total Synthesis of the Sesquiterpenoid Periconianone A Based on a Postulated Biogenesis

The first enantioselective total synthesis of the complex tricarbocyclic sesquiterpenoid periconianone A based on a postulated biogenesis is reported. Key elements of the synthetic route include the use of an isopropenyl group as a removable directing group for stereoselective synthesis, a sequence featuring a Rh-mediated O–H insertion/[3,3]-sigmatropic rearrangement and subsequent α-ketol rearrangement, and a late stage aldol reaction to furnish the complex cage-like framework.