Synthesis of Aculeatins A, B and D

Significance

The synthesis of aculeatins A, B and D illustrates a powerful strategy for the synthesis of polyol chains involving (1) the addition of β-oxyanionic alkyllithiums to Weinreb amides to give β-hydroxy ketones and (2) hydroxyl-directed reduction of the β-hydroxy ketones to give 1,3-diols.