Studies toward the synthesis of phomactin A. An approach to the macrocyclic core

An approach to the macrocyclic core of phomactin A is described. Central to this strategy is the use of a cis-fused oxadecalin intermediate, prepared using the dihydropyrone Diels-Alder reaction. The conformational bias inherent to this system is then used to facilitate macrocycle formation via an intramolecular B-alkyl Suzuki coupling.