Total synthesis of (+)-18-epi-latrunculol A

An enantioselective total synthesis of the cytotoxic latrunculin congener (+)-18-epi-latrunculol A has been achieved. Key steps in the synthetic route include an acid-mediated enone cyclization/equilibration sequence, a Carreira alkynylation, and a late-stage Mitsunobu macrolactonization to construct the macrolide skeleton.