Kavalactones are classes of α-pyrone and 5,6-dihydropyrone derivatives showing various
biological activities, and numerous approaches have been reported for the preparation
of these molecules. In this review, we discuss the different synthetic approaches
towards these naturally occurring lactones, in both racemic and enantiomerically pure
forms, that have been reported in the literature to date. It is hoped that this review
will assist researchers in the development of additional and efficient synthetic routes
towards kavalactones.
Key words
lactones - α-pyrones - 5,6-dihydropyrones - natural products - biological activity
- total synthesis - lipase resolution - chiral auxiliary
