Toward the Total Synthesis of Hygrocin B and Divergolide C: Construction of the Naphthoquinone–Azepinone Core

A highly regioselective Diels–Alder approach toward the bioactive natural products hygrocin B and divergolide C is presented. The route uses an unusual benzoquinone–azepinone dienophile prepared in 8 steps from ethyl 8-methoxy-1-naphthoate, by a route which includes, as key steps, a Birch alkylation and a Beckmann rearrangement of a tetralone oxime, both of which are demonstrated on multigram scale. The naphthoquinone–azepinone core is suitably functionalized for addition of the ansa-chain, found in the natural products.