Stereoselective reduction of arteannuin B and its chemical transformations

Absolute stereochemistry of dihydroarteannuin B 5 obtained by the reduction of arteannuin B 3 with Ni2B, NaBH4 or CdCl2–Mg–MeOH–H2O has been established by 2D NMR and single crystal X-ray diffraction studies. Some experiments aimed at the synthesis of dihydrodeoxyarteannuin B [C-4, 5 double bond isomer of 11] are also discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]