Stereocontrolled Synthesis of (+)-Plagiogyrin A

Plagiogyrin A (1) was first isolated from the fronds of Plagiogyria matsumureana. Structurally, it features an α-ketoaldehyde functional group in its hemiacetal form, fused in a cis-substituted lactone ring. We have successfully synthesized the skeleton of this natural product by employing a stereocontrolled aldol reaction followed by the installation of the α-ketoaldehyde moiety derived from the mild oxidation of an α-diazoketone. Finally, anhydrous acidic conditions released the protected diol and provided the required cyclized hemiacetal.