Formal synthesis of (−)-oleocanthal by means of a SmI2-promoted intramolecular coupling of bromoalkyne with α,β-unsaturated ester

A novel approach to the synthesis of (−)-oleocanthal starting from d-ribose, in which a SmI2-promoted intramolecular coupling of bromoalkyne with α,β-unsaturated ester is a key step, has been developed.