Construction of 4-hydroxy-2-pyridinones. Total synthesis of (+)-sambutoxin

Total synthesis of (+)-sambutoxin has been achieved, establishing the relative and absolute stereochemistry of the naturally occurring mycotoxin. Efforts feature methodology for enantiocontrolled construction of 1,3-anti-dimethyl arrays and a novel Saegusa oxidation to provide a pyridinone methide leading to formation of the central dihydropyran ring.