Formal Synthesis of (±)-Methyl Rocaglate Using an Unprecedented Acetyl Bromide Mediated Nazarov Reaction

To date the prototype Nazarov cyclization of a cross-conjugated pentadienone to the core structure of the rocaglate natural products has not been successful (<b>9</b> into <b>12</b>). It has been found that this conversion can be achieved by the use of acetylbromide in excellent yield and results in a strategically very direct route to these antitumor agents.