Pure Appl. Chem., 2003, Vol. 75, No. 10, pp. 1443-1451
http://dx.doi.org/10.1351/pac200375101443
Birch reduction and its application in the total synthesis of natural products
Abstract:
The unique availability of substituted cyclohexa-1,4- and 1,3-dienes, notably enol ethers, from Birch reduction of anisoles, permits many novel synthetic reactions of general utility. The total synthesis of several natural products derived from polyketides have been accomplished using a Diels–Alder and Alder–Rickert process. The strategies of the synthesis are discussed.