Total Synthesis of Stevastelin B, a Novel Immunosuppressant

Total synthesis of stevastelin B is described. Evans asymmetric aldol methodology and Roush asymmetric allylation were used to construct four consecutive stereo-centers on the octadecanoic acid moiety of stevastelin B. Subsequent coupling with a dipeptide and macrolactamization gave stevastelin B. The flexibility of this route could allow the synthesis of many analogues for biological tests, which cannot be obtained from natural sources.