Total Synthesis of Lucilactaene, A Cell Cycle Inhibitor Active in p53-Inactive Cells

Abstract
Hetero-bis-metalated 1,3-butadiene is employed in the lynchpin coupling of synthetic fragments of the side chain of the antitumor agent, lucilactaene. Sequential Stille and Suzuki−Miyaura couplings interpolate this unique boron/tin diene into the pentaene chain. The total synthesis of lucilactaene was accomplished efficiently, in just eight linear steps.