Synthesis of the 6-6-6 tricyclic skeleton of the anti-influenza A diterpene wickerol A

A five-step synthesis of the 6-6-6 tricyclic skeleton of the diterpene wickerol A is described. The synthesis features a diastereoselective d-proline-mediated Robinson annulation and N-heterocyclic carbene-catalyzed Stetter reaction as key transformations to give the tricyclic carbon skeleton of this promising anti-influenza A natural product.