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Updated: Jun 8, 2026

Versatile CO2 Transformations into Complex Products: A One-pot Two-step Strategy
Published on: November 9, 2019
Total synthesis of berkelic acid
Thomas N Snaddon1, Philipp Buchgraber, Saskia Schulthoff
1Max-Planck-Institut für Kohlenforschung, 45470 Mülheim/Ruhr, Germany.
This study details a novel total synthesis for both enantiomers of berkelic acid, a bioactive fungal metabolite. The efficient route utilizes a cascade reaction to construct the tetracyclic core, confirming a revised structure.
Area of Science:
- Organic Chemistry
- Natural Product Synthesis
Background:
- Berkelic acid is a bioactive fungal metabolite with a complex structure.
- Previous work proposed a revision to the structure of berkelic acid.
Purpose of the Study:
- To achieve a productive total synthesis of both enantiomers of berkelic acid.
- To incorporate the proposed structure revision into the synthetic strategy.
Main Methods:
- A cascade reaction sequence involving triple-deprotection, 1,4-addition, and spiroacetalization.
- Aldol condensation to assemble the cyclization precursor.
- Collum-Godenschwager variant of the ester enolate Claisen rearrangement for fragment synthesis.
Main Results:
- The tetracyclic core of berkelic acid was synthesized as a single isomer in excellent yield.
- The synthesis successfully accounts for the revised structure of berkelic acid.
- A protective group strategy involving TBS-ether improved the efficiency of late-stage synthesis.
Conclusions:
- A robust and efficient total synthesis of both berkelic acid enantiomers has been developed.
- The synthetic route validates the proposed structure revision.
- The methodology provides a reliable pathway for accessing this important fungal metabolite.
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