A diastereoselective total synthesis of the sesquiterpene (±)-mutisianthol

The total synthesis of the phenolic sesquiterpene mutisianthol has been accomplished in 12 steps from the readily available 2-methylanisole. The required trans-1,3-disubstituted indan intermediate was obtained through a diastereoselective thallium(III) mediated ring contraction of a 1-methyl-1,2-dihydronaphthalene derivative.