Stereoselective Synthesis of the Cytotoxic Macrolide FD-891^†

A total synthesis of the naturally occurring, cytotoxic macrolide FD-891 is described. Three fragments were first stereoselectively constructed using mainly asymmetric aldol and allylation reactions. The complete framework was then assembled using two Julia−Kocienski olefinations to connect the three fragments and a Yamaguchi reaction to close the macrolactone ring.