Total synthesis of (+)-crotogoudin.

Fellowship of the ring: The first total synthesis of (+)-crotogoudin, a 3,4-seco-atisane diterpenoid natural product, is reported. Asymmetric access to the bicyclo[2.2.2]octane core is achieved through a desymmetrization of a meso-diketone with baker's yeast (LG=leaving group, PG=protecting group). A SmI2 -induced radical cyclopropane-opening/annulation/elimination cascade affords the suitably decorated tetracyclic structure of (+)-crotogoudin. The synthesis led to revision of the reported optical rotation of the natural product and to assignment of its absolute configuration as an ent-atisane (5R,10R).