Stereoselective total synthesis of (+)-(6R,2′S)-cryptocaryalactone and (−)-(6S,2′S)-epi cryptocaryalactone via asymmetric acetate aldol reaction

The total synthesis of (+)-(6R,2′S)-cryptocaryalactone and (−)-(6S,2′S)-epi cryptocaryalactone is reported based on asymmetric acetate aldol reaction. Still–Gennari reaction, Evans acetal intramolecular oxa-Michael reaction and lactonisation are the key steps in the target synthesis.