The didemnin class of biologically active cyclodepsipeptides, isolated from a marine tunicate, has shown antitumor, antiviral, and immunosuppressive activities. Synthetic studies were undertaken to prepare a modified analog of one of the most potent congeners, didemnin B (1). The side chain of the isostatine unit was tethered into the macrocycle via a cyclohexane ring in order to provide a more rigid conformation and determine the ...