Synthesis of the MN Ring of Caribbean Ciguatoxin C-CTX-1 via Desymmetrization by Acetal Formation

The MN ring of Caribbean ciguatoxin C-CTX-1 was synthesized from a meso-syn-2,7-dimethyloxepane derivative corresponding to the M ring via desymmetrization by acetal formation with a camphor derivative, followed by construction of the N ring via the Horner-Wadsworth-Emmons reaction and acetal formation. The meso-syn-2,7-dimethyloxepane derivative was synthesized via photoinduced electrocyclization of a conjugated exo-diene under flow conditions, giving a cyclobutene derivative, followed by ring expansion via oxidative cleavage and diastereoselective reduction of a β-hydroxy ketone.