New pyridone approach: total synthesis of mappicine ketone (nothapodytine B).

A novel synthesis of mappicine ketone, which possesses strong selective activity against the herpes viruses HSV-1 and HSV-2, including those Acyclovir-resistant, and human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) has been efficiently accomplished. The synthesis highlights a new pyridone approach that effectively combines a double, intramolecular Michael addition in a conjugated ester-conjugated amide with oxidation-decarboxylation of the resulting piperidone.