We report the first asymmetric, total synthesis of (-)-isosilybin A. A late-stage catalytic biomimetic cyclization of a highly functionalized chalcone is employed to form the characteristic benzopyranone ring. A robust and flexible approach to this chalcone provides an entry to the preparation of the entire isomeric family of silybin natural products.
Benjamin R McDonald, Antoinette E Nibbs, Karl A Scheidt. A biomimetic strategy to access the silybins: total synthesis of (-)-isosilybin A. Organic letters. 2015 Jan 02;17(1):98-101
PMID: 25517432
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