A new strategy for accessing (S)-1-(furan-2-yl)pent-4-en-1-ol: a key precursor of Ipomoeassin family of compounds and C1–C15 domain of halichondrins

A highly efficient synthesis of (S)-1-(furan-2-yl)pent-4-en-1-ol, known to be an initial precursor of Ipomoeassin family of compounds and C1–C15 domain of halichondrins has been achieved via a sequence involving the use of Weinreb amide formation followed by Weinreb ketone synthesis and finally CBS (Corey–Bakshi–Shibata) reduction. Detailed study on improvement of each step is described. The title compound was converted to a potential cytotoxic agent for further pharmacological studies.