Total synthesis of the novel, biologically active epoxyquinone dimer (+/-)-torreyanic acid: a biomimetic approach

Org Lett. 2004 Oct 28;6(22):3985-8. doi: 10.1021/ol0483551.

Abstract

[reaction: see text] A total synthesis of the complex, biologically active, dimeric natural product (+/-)-torreyanic acid, which is composed of seven rings and laced with dense, variegated oxy-functionalization, has been accomplished from readily available allyl-substituted p-benzoquinone 8. Our synthetic stratagem involves crafting an epoxyquinone monomer for use in a biomimetic cascade process involving tandem a 6pi electrocyclization and a Diels-Alder dimerization.