Extension of the Tandem Conjugate Addition−Dieckmann Condensation:  The Formal Synthesis of Tetracenomycin A₂

Tandem cuprate addition−Dieckmann condensation is featured in the construction of the polyketide metabolite tetracenomycin A₂ (2). Thus, cyclization substrate 11 was treated with Gilman cuprate Me₂CuLi to afford anthracene 12. The phenolic acetate protecting group of 12 ensured its chemoselective oxidation to reveal terminal quinone 13, which intercepts the previously reported synthesis of tetracenomycin A₂ (2).