Synthetic studies towards garsubellin A: synthesis of model systems and potential mimics by regioselective lithiation of bicyclo[3.3.1]nonane-2,4,9-trione derivatives from catechinic acid.

Bridgehead lithiations have successfully been carried out on substrates derived from catechinic acid, which possess the core bicyclo[3.3.1]nonane-1,3,5-trione structure present in garsubellin A. Using an external quench method, various electrophiles have been incorporated at the C-5 bridgehead position in a one-step process that appears to be sensitive to the substitution pattern on the bicyclic system. Regioselective lithiation at the C-3 sp(2) centre was achieved by changing the base used from LDA to LTMP. Following the introduction of a prenyl substituent by bridgehead substitution, annulation of a THF ring, analogous to that in garsubellin A, was possible via an epoxidation-ring opening sequence. Oxidative modification of the catechol substituent of the catechinic acid core was possible to give systems with muconic acid, ortho-quinone or furan 2-carboxylic acid side chains.