(+)- and (-)-mutisianthol: first total synthesis, absolute configuration, and antitumor activity.

The first synthesis of the natural product (+)-mutisianthol was accomplished in 11 steps and in 21% overall yield from 2-methylanisole. The synthesis of its enantiomer was also performed in a similar overall yield. The absolute configuration of the sesquiterpene (+)-mutisianthol was assigned as (1S,3R).

Synthesis of cyclic enol ethers from alkenyl-beta-dicarbonyl compounds.

In this work we describe the cyclofunctionalization of eleven differently substituted alkenyl-beta-dicarbonyl compounds, employing three electrophilic reagents, namely, iodine, p-methoxyphenyltellurium trichloride, and phenylselenenyl bromide. The reactions occur through the enolic form of the substrates, to afford the corresponding iodo-, telluro-, or selenocyclic enol ethers. Substrates bearing trisubstituted double bonds failed in reacting with the selenium and tellurium reagents.