Total synthesis of splenocin B, a potent inhibitor of the pro-inflammatory cytokine from marine-derived Streptomyces sp.

The first total synthesis of splenocin B (1), a new potent anti-inflammatory antimycin-class antibiotic, has been described. The synthesis of 1 has been accomplished in 8 linear steps, starting from commercially available N-Boc-L-threonine benzyl ester 4 and 3,4-dihydroxypentanoic acid derivative 2. Kita–Trost lactonization via an ethoxyvinyl ester intermediate was utilized for the construction of the 9-membered dilactone core.