Total Synthesis of Isomalabaricane Triterpenoids

The first total syntheses of (±)-rhabdastrellic acid A and (±)-stelletin E, highly cytotoxic isomalabaricane triterpenoids, have been accomplished in a linear sequence of 14 steps from commercial geranylacetone. The exceptionally strained trans-syn-trans-perhydrobenz­[e]­indene core characteristic of the isomalabaricanes is efficiently accessed in a selective manner through a rapid, complexity-generating sequence. This process features a reductive radical polyene cyclization, an unprecedented oxidative Rautenstrauch cycloisomerization, and umpolung α-substitution of a p‑toluenesulfonylhydrazone with in situ reductive transposition. A late-stage cross-coupling in concert with a modular approach to polyunsaturated side chains renders this a general strategy for the synthesis of numerous family members of these synthetically challenging and hitherto inaccessible marine triterpenoids.