Stereoselective syntheses of the rhizoxin C(1)C–(9) and C(12)–C(26) subunits

Abstract Stereoselective syntheses of the C(1)C(9) and C(12)C(26) subunits of the macrolide antitumor agent rhizoxin are described. Chelation-controlled Ireland-Claisen rearrangement, stereoselective Horner-Wadsworth-Emmons reactions and a thermodynamically-controlled diastereotopic group differentiation are featured.