Toward the total synthesis of grayanane diterpene mollanol A with a Prins [3 + 2] strategy

Toward the total synthesis of a novel grayanoid, mollanol A, we developed a concise convergent strategy based on a formal [3 + 2] cyclization initiated by Prins reaction. In this key intermolecular reaction between an unprotected hydroxyaldehyde and activating-group-free olefins, two chiral carbons and one densely substituted tetrahydrofuran ring were constructed stereoselectively.