Unified route to asymmetrically substituted butenolide, maleic anhydride, and maleimide constituents of Antrodia camphorata

The first synthesis of antrocinnamomin D and a new synthesis of antrodins A and B have been achieved in 6-8 steps and high overall efficiency (51, 46, and 43%, respectively) from commercially available methyl 4-hydroxyphenylacetate. Key steps include Fürstner-Kochi iron-catalyzed sp2-sp3 cross-coupling and 2-silyloxyfuran oxyfunctionalization.