Preparation of the C(1)-C(6’) subunit of Zaragozic acid C is described. The C(5’) methyl-bearing stereocenter is installed by rapid, regioselective opening of a phenylcyclopropyl carbinol with Pearlman’s catalyst (1 atm H2) in 2% triflic acid/methanol.
enantioselective synthesis; Zaragozic acid