Stereoselective construction of the ABC-ring system of fusidane triterpenes via intermolecular/transannular Michael reaction cascade

A stereoselective construction of the ABC-ring system of fusidane triterpenes via intermolecular/transannular Michael reaction cascade is described. The substrate, a ten-membered carbocyclic ketone, has been successfully prepared by the Cr-mediated intramolecular alkenylation of the corresponding acyclic compound. The array of functionalities in the product stereoselectively obtained by the cascade reaction is useful for further structural modifications directed toward the total synthesis of fusidane and other triterpenes, and designed molecules intended for studying structure–activity relationships.