Stereoselective Total Synthesis of (+)-Cardiobutanolide

Stereoselective synthesis of styryllactone (+)-cardiobutanolide was accomplished in good overall yield from d-(−)-tartaric acid. Key features of the synthesis include the elaboration of a γ-hydroxy butyramide obtained from the dimethylamide of tartaric acid, involving a combination of the addition of 1,3-dithian-2-yllithium and stereoselective reduction.