Asymmetric synthesis of 3,3,5,5-tetrasubstituted 1,2-dioxolanes: total synthesis of epiplakinic acid F.

The first enantioselective total synthesis of epiplakinic acid F (1) was achieved through a pivotal step involving a radical-mediated asymmetric peroxidation of vinylcyclopropanes with molecular oxygen to construct highly substituted 1,2-dioxolanes. Subsequent conversions of the chiral 1,2-dioxolanes led to total synthesis of epiplakinic acid F (1) and the confirmation of its absolute configuration. The enantiomer of epiplakinic acid F methyl ester (2) was also prepared.