The
total synthesis of paclitaxel (Taxol) is described. Double
Rubottom oxidation of the bis(silyl enol ether) derived from a tricarbocyclic
diketone effectively installed a bridgehead olefin and C-5/C-13 hydroxy
groups in a one-step operation. The novel Ag-promoted oxetane formation
smoothly constructed the tetracyclic framework of paclitaxel.