Pure and Applied Chemistry

Abstract: Synthesis routes are described, allowing all known jasmonoids as well as their enantiomers to be synthesized in enantiomerically and diastereomerically pure form. The routes are based on a set of closely related lactones containing an electrophilic allylic moiety, which are accessible via asymmetric Pd-catalyzed allylic alkylation. Regio- and diastereoselective S_N2'-anti-reactions of the electrophilic lactones with organocopper compounds furnished 2,3-cis-disubstituted cyclopentenones, which were further transformed into the target compounds, i.e., 12-oxophytodienoic acid (12-OPDA) in excellent overall yields. The methodology also allowed iridoids and isoprostanes to be prepared. The configuration of an Archaea membrane lipid constituent containing cyclopentane rings was determined by total synthesis of a diol that was also obtained by degradation of the natural product.