Efficient total synthesis of (+)-curcuphenol via asymmetric organocatalysis

The catalytic enantioselective synthesis of (+)-curcuphenol is described herein. This approach involves the use of an organocatalytic alkylation of m-anisidine, a diazotation/Sandmeyer reaction of the amine and a Negishi-type coupling with dimethylzinc. This versatile strategy allows for the rapid synthesis of other members of this class of natural products.