Synthesis of symmetric HIJ-ring model of ciguatoxin

A tricyclic model ether compound comprising 6/8/6 ether rings was synthesized via a new route including conjugate addition to form a symmetric eight-membered ether-ketone with syn/trans stereochemistry in selective manner. The corresponding vinyl triflate of this ketone was allowed to convert to the vinyl methyl derivative via cross-coupling reaction. This endo-olefinic tetrahydro-2H-oxocin was selectively reduced to afford α-methyl product. The corresponding exo-olefinic oxocane derivative, on the other hand, provided the β-methyl isomer as the major diastereoisomer (2/1). Our previous report on the synthesis of this final product was revised due to some rearrangement and the mechanisms are discussed.