The naturally occurring gamma-lactones (+)-goniofufurone 1 and (+)-cardiobutanolide 2, two pharmacologically active products from Goniothalamus species (Annonaceae), have been synthesized in enantiopure form using l-erythrulose as the chiral starting material. Key steps of these syntheses were a stereoselective anti boron aldol reaction and an asymmetric allylboration.
4-Butyrolactone Annonaceae