Stereoselective total synthesis of mugineic acid (1), a unique phytosiderophore from roots of barley, has been achieved from readily available (2S, 3S)-and (2R, 3R)-2, 3-epoxycinnamyl alcohols (5) and (6). The key step is the oxidation of the phenyl group to the carboxylic acid by use of the ruthenium trichloride-sodium metaperiodate system.
