Synthesis of the C12–C24 fragment of peloruside A by silyl-tethered diastereomer-discriminating RCM

The C12–C24 fragment of peloruside A has been synthesized using, as a key step, a silyl-tethered ring closing metathesis reaction to form the C16–C17 (Z)-alkene. The metathesis reaction discriminates between diastereoisomers of the starting material. A diphenylsilyl bis-ether provides simultaneous protection for the C15 and C24 hydroxyl groups, and is expected to lead to high 1,5-anti selectivity in subsequent aldol reactions of the methyl ketone, allowing for a convergent stereoselective synthesis of peloruside A.