Synthesis of bastadin analogs through an SNAr coupling strategy

The synthesis of a bastadin-5 analog was achieved in 16% overall yield (16 steps, longest linear sequence) using a strategy of intermolecular SNAr coupling to create diphenyl ether bonds and sequential amide couplings to close the ring. Noteworthy elements include assembly of all four substituted aryl rings from two simple benzaldehydes, strict regiocontrol of meta- versus para-aryl ether bonds and management of the reductively-sensitive aryl bromine substituents.