Total synthesis of the polyene macrolide dermostatin A

Herein we provide full details of studies which culminated in the first total synthesis of the polyene macrolide dermostatin A, confirming our earlier stereochemical assignment. A highly convergent synthesis was developed, featuring the cyanohydrin acetonide method for polyol construction and a Stille approach to polyene introduction. The strategies and tactics developed en route should be of value for the preparation of other members of the polyene macrolide class, as well as analogs of the dermostatins.