A Reductive-Heck Approach to the Hydroazulene Ring System: A Formal Synthesis of the Englerins

The reduction of a palladium enolate prior to beta-hydride elimination provides a unique reaction for the synthesis of the hydroazulene ring system. When combined with a transannular epoxide rearrangement cascade, the reductive-Heck reaction allows rapid entry to the oxo-bridged guaiane core of the englerins.