Stereoselective total synthesis of (±)hinesol 1 was achieved from readily available stafting materials and thorough mild reaction conditions. The structure of synthetic hinesol was confirmed by chemical transformation.
A mild base-catalyzed retro-benzilic acid rearrangement of a proto-[2+2]photocycloadduct, formed in highly steroselective photoaddition of methyl 2,4-dioxo-pentanoate to 1,5-dimethyl-6-methylenecyclohexene, afforded ...