Synthesis of the Prelog-Djerassi Lactone and Protomycinolide IV Based on the Stereospecific Methylation of γ,δ-Epoxy Acrylates by Trimethylaluminum.

The Prelog-Djerassi lactone, a key intermediate for the synthesis of several medicinally important macrolide antibiotics, and protomycinolide IV, a 16-membered macrolide, have been synthesized by employing the recently developed stereospecific methylation of γ,δ-epoxy acrylates by trimethylaluminum as key steps.