Synthetic studies directed toward the total synthesis of dolabriferol

Herein we report our results towards the total synthesis of (−)-dolabriferol, describing the synthesis of fragments C1–C9 and C10–C21. This convergent asymmetric approach relies on the use of a common Weinreb amide precursor for the preparation of both fragments, an efficient anti-aldol reaction followed by Zn(BH4)2 reduction to give a 1,3-syn diol, a selective oxidation of a triol under Swern conditions with concomitant lactol formation, and a diastereoselective epoxidation of an allylic alcohol with m-CPBA followed by an efficient epoxide opening with Me2CuCNLi2.