Convergent total synthesis of the racemic HIF-1 inhibitor laurenditerpenol

The convergent total synthesis of the HIF-1 inhibitor laurenditerpenol 1a is reported. The key step is the Julia olefination–reduction process between the two components, the sulfone 4 (prepared from the dimethylfuran-maleic anhydride Diels–Alder adduct) and the aldehyde 3 (prepared from 3-methylcyclohexenone).