Total Synthesis of Leucosceptroids A and B.

Leucosceptroids A and B are sesterterpenoids with potent antifeedant and antifungal activities. A more efficient gram-scale total synthesis of leucosceptroid B and the first total synthesis of leucosceptroid A are presented. The key transformations include an aldol reaction between a substituted dihydrofuranone and an ( S)-citronellal-derived aldehyde, a SmI2-mediated intramolecular ketyl-olefin radical cyclization, and final-stage alcohol oxidation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]