First total synthesis of sterenins A, C and D

The first total synthesis of sterenins A, C and D, potent inhibitors of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1), is described. The prenyl group was regioselectively introduced by a Claisen rearrangement, whereas the construction of an isoindolinone skeleton was accomplished by the lactamization of lactones assisted by a phenolic hydroxyl group.