Enantioselective Total Synthesis of (−)‑Δ 9 ‑Tetrahydrocannabinol via N‑Heterocyclic CarbeneCatalysis

Enantioselective syntheses of (−)-Δ8-tetrahydrocannabinol ((−)-Δ8-THC) and (−)-Δ9-THC have been achieved in eight and 10 steps, respectively, from a known cinnamic acid. The syntheses take advantage of an enantioselective N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC)-catalyzed (4 + 2) annulation between donor–acceptor cyclobutanes and cinnamoyl fluorides to construct the highly enantioenriched cycloxyl β-lactone shown. Having constructed this A-ring precursor, elaboration to (−)-Δ8-THC is achieved through β-lactone alcoholysis followed by oxidation, dual decarboxylation, trimethylation, and cationic cyclization. Finally, the conversion to (−)-Δ9-THC is achieved with established chemistry.