Asymmetric Total Synthesis of (2)-Hydroxynorneomajucin, a Norsesquiterpene from .

We report the first total synthesis of (2)-hydroxynorneomajucin, a norsesquiterpene derived from the genus. This natural product displays neurotrophic properties. Small molecule neurotrophins have potential as therapeutics in neurodegenerative diseases. Key steps of our synthesis include a Tsuji-Trost reaction, a Pauson-Khand cyclization, and a Nagata hydrocyanation. A simple sequence of reductions and a Mukaiyama hydration introduce the A-ring substituents with the correct configurations. The overall synthesis was completed in 17 steps (longest linear sequence, LLS).