A new synthesis of cytotoxic (+)-7-epi-Goniofufurone

Cytotoxic styryl lactone, ( + )‐7‐epi‐Goniofufurone (1), has been prepared with a new route from 3‐ O ‐benzyl‐1, 2‐ O ‐isopropylidene‐5‐ C ‐phenyl‐β‐ L ‐ido‐pentofuranose (6), a derivative of (+)‐glucose. Treatment of 14 with HCl solution cleaved TBDMS and isopropylidene and simultaneously caused ring closure to afford 1 while treatment of 14 with Sc(OTf) 3 only removed TBDMS to give 15.