Second-generation synthesis of salvinorin A

Functionalization toward total synthesis of the hallucinogenic neoclerodane diterpenoid salvinorin A was accomplished via three double sequences: bis-enol triflate synthesis, palladium-catalyzed double carbonylation to the bis-enol triflate, and samarium diiodide-mediated double conjugate reduction. The configuration at C-12 was controlled by chelation-controlled diastereoselective reduction.