Stereoselective Synthesis of Aromatic Polyketide Prealnumycin

Prealnumycin (1), a benzoisochromanequinone compound, produces biologically active exfoliamycin or alnumycin through hybridization with D-ribose or oxidation. We report herein a concise and stereoselective synthesis of 1. The anionic annulation of phthalide 5 with enone 6, prepared via a transition metal-catalyzed enantioselective route, afforded tricyclic lactone 4. This intermediate then underwent a highly diastereoselective introduction of an n-propyl group through nucleophilic addition followed by silane reduction. Subsequent regioselective arene oxidation of 18 using cerium(IV) ammonium nitrate (CAN) afforded naphthoquinone 2. Further manipulations, including acidic deprotection and elimination, yielded prealnumycin in 8 steps.