Abstract The first total synthesis of naturally occurring (−)-nitidon and its enantiomer is reported. The best of the routes investigated for preparation of these enantiomerically pure compounds involves a modification of the Cadiot− Chodkiewicz reaction and the Sharpless asymmetric epoxidation of an (E)-2-ene-4, 6-diyn-1-ol as key steps and proceeds in five steps and 18% overall yield. Both enantiomers of nitidon and some related 6-(1, 3-diyn-1- ...
