Formal Synthesis of (±)-Methyl Rocaglate Using an Unprecedented Acetyl Bromide Mediated Nazarov Reaction

To date the prototype Nazarov cyclization of a cross-conjugated
pentadienone to the core structure of the rocaglate natural products
has not been successful (9 into 12). It
has been found that this conversion can be achieved by the use of
acetylbromide in excellent yield and results in a strategically very
direct route to these antitumor agents.