Total Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of (-)-9-Deoxy-englerin A

An effective total synthesis of (-)-9-deoxy-englerin (4), an analogue of the natural guaiane sesquiterpene englerin A (1), has been achieved. The synthesis features a transannular epoxide opening to construct the 5,7-fused ring system followed by transannular ether formation with mercury(II) trifluoroacetate.