Asymmetric Total Synthesis of Neobraclactone C.

Asymmetric total synthesis of neobraclactone C was finished for the first time using the convergent synthetic strategy in 22 steps in the longest linear sequence from known materials. The key steps include a steric hindrance/hydrogen bond dual-controlled Heck arylation of α,β-unsaturated ketone to construct hemiketal and -alkenyl in one step and a CeCl-catalyzed tricycle formation.