Total Synthesis of (-)-Zearalenone and (-)-Zearalanone: A Macrocyclization Strategy by Ni/Zr/Cr-Mediated Reductive Ketone Coupling.

The total synthesis of the resorcylic acid lactones (-)-zearalenone and (-)-zearalanone is described. Our synthetic strategy relies on Ni-, Zr-, and Cr-mediated intramolecular reductive ketone coupling to create 14-membered macrolactones. Notably, the use of CrCl in addition to Ni/Zr-mediated reductive ketone coupling conditions was key for the success of the macrocyclization.