Stereoselective synthesis of the bacterial DNA primase inhibitor Sch 642305 and its C-4 epimer

A convergent stereoselective synthesis of the bacterial DNA primase inhibitor Sch 642305 and its non-natural epimer at C-4 is described. A key aspect was the construction of a trans-2,3-disubstituted cyclohexanone system by means of a stereoselective Michael addition/α-alkylation sequence. The macrolactone ring of either stereoisomer was created using the Mitsunobu and Yamaguchi procedures, respectively.