Stereoselective synthesis of the antiprotozoal lactone passifloricin A and seven isomers thereof

The conjugated 6-lactone passifloricin A, a natural product with antiprotozoal activity, and seven isomers thereof have been synthesized in enantiopure form. It has been shown in this way that the proposed structure for the natural compound was erroneous. The correct structure is now evidenced. Key steps of the syntheses were asymmetric Brown-type aldehyde allylations and ring-closing metatheses.