Synthesis of 5-(7-hydroxyhept-3-enyl)-1,2-dithiolan-3-one 1-oxide, a core functionality of antibiotic leinamycin

5-(7-Hydroxyhept-3-enyl)-1,2-dithiolan-3-one 1-oxide possessing both the 1,2-dithiolan-3-one 1-oxide five-membered ring and the double bond at the gamma position of the heterocycle, characteristic of the antibiotic leinamycin, was synthesized. In addition, the activated ester form of was prepared that may be useful for coupling to certain DNA-binding agents.