Towards the total synthesis of metacridamides A and B

Two different strategies have been considered to achieve the total synthesis of metacridamides A and B. The first approach based on Horner-Wittig olefination reaction was unsuccessful. The second approach, involving desymmetrization, a highly diastereoselective aldolization, Wittig olefination, amide formation and finally tethering formation, furnished an advanced intermediate 39 with all stereocenters present in metacridamides A and B. (C) 2022 Published by Elsevier Ltd.