Asymmetric Total Synthesis of (−)‐Merrilactone A: Use of a Bulky Protecting Group as Long‐Range Stereocontrolling Element

Designer elegance: The transannular aldol reaction of a cyclooctene diketone is the key step in this total synthesis of the natural enantiomer of merrilactone A (see scheme). The configuration of the two stereocenters generated in the formation of the central bicyclo[3.3.0]octane framework of the natural product was established using a specially designed bulky protecting group. Supporting information for this article is available on the WWW under http://www.wiley-vch.de/contents/jc_2002/2006/z601358_s.pdf or from the author. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.