Modified Julia Olefination on Anhydrides: Extension and Limitations. Application to the Synthesis of Maculalactone B

The preparation of exo-enol esters from cyclic anhydrides is reported using a modified Julia olefination. The reaction is highly stereoselective. The Smiles rearrangement can be performed in a one-pot process, giving a straightforward access to exo-enol lactones. Furthermore, the reaction was extended to semistabilized sulfones, and this methodology was applied to the synthesis of maculalactone B.