Divergent Synthesis of Scabrolide A and Havellockate via an exo-exo-endo Radical Cascade

Abstract

Here we report a concise and divergent synthesis of scabrolide A and havellockate, representative members of polycyclic marine natural product furano(nor)cembranoids. The synthesis features a highly efficient exo-exo-endo radical cascade. Through the generation of two rings, three C−C bonds, and three contiguous stereocenters in one step, this remarkable transformation not only assembles the bowl-shaped, common 6−5−5 fused ring system from simple building blocks but also precisely installs the functionalities at desired positions and sets the stage for further divergent preparation of both target molecules. Further studies reveal that the robust and unusual 6-endo radical addition in the cascade is likely facilitated by the rigidity of the substrate.