Total synthesis of (±)-heliannuol C and E via aromatic Claisen rearrangement

The total synthesis of heliannuol C and E from a common intermediate are described. Key steps in the synthesis include a regioselective aromatic Claisen rearrangement to install the (1-vinyl)-4-methyl-3-pentenyl substituent and regioselective biomimetic 7-endo and 6-exo phenol epoxide cyclizations to form the cyclic ether moieties.

(±)-Heliannuols C and E were synthesized from a common epoxide intermediate in only seven steps overall from 2-methylanisole.