The Synthesis of a Vernolepin Prototype

Abstract
The growth inhibitory sesquiterpene dilactones vernolepin, vernodalin and vernomenin1 feature a novel angularly vinylated 2-oxa-3-decalinone functional moiety whose synthesis has been the subject of several recent reports.2 We herewith describe the culmination of model studies initiated a number of years ago,3 which have led to an efficient and facile synthesis of the prototype vinylated oxadecalinone .