A Free-Radical and Protecting-Group-Free Approach to (–)-Boschnialactone and γ-Lycorane

The protecting-group-free (PGF) and free-radical-based synthesis of two structurally different natural products, (–)-boschnialactone and γ-lycorane, is reported. The key step in both syntheses is a radical–ionic sequence for construction of the principal structure (a six-membered lactone and a 1,4-dicarbonyl compound, respectively), allowing short and rapid access to these natural products through a PGF route.