Catalytic oxidative cyclisation reactions have been employed for the synthesis of the E and F rings of the complex natural product target pectenotoxin 4. The choice of metal catalyst (cobalt- or osmium-based) allowed for the formation of THF rings with either trans or cis stereoselectivity. Fragment union using a modified Julia reaction then enabled the synthesis of an advanced synthetic intermediate containing the EF and G rings of the target.

Catalytic oxidative cyclisation reactions have been employed for the synthesis of the Eand Frings of the complex natural product target pectenotoxin 4. The choice of metal catalyst (cobalt-or osmium-based) allowed for the formation of THF rings with either trans or cis stereoselectivity.Fragment union using am odified Julia reaction then enabled the synthesis of an advanced synthetic intermediate containing the EF and Gr ings of the target.