Stereoselective total synthesis of (+)-cardiobutanolide and (+)-3-epi-cardiobutanolide from diacetone d-glucose

A chiron approach starting with 3-O-benzyl-1,2-O-isopropylidene-α-d-xylo-pentodialdo-1,4-furanose utilizing a Grignard reaction, Mitsunobu stereoinversion, ethyl diazoacetate addition, and selective reduction of the ketone is employed as a key step for the total synthesis of (+)-cardiobutanolide described; a similar strategy is also reported for the first total synthesis of (+)-3-epi-cardiobutanolide.