The total synthesis of eupomatilones 2 and 5

Efficient and diastereocontrolled syntheses of natural lignans eupomatilone 2 (1) and 5 (2) are described. Biaryl coupling was achieved using Suzuki chemistry. The lactone moiety was constructed using allylmetal reagents, which were synthesized from Baylis-Hillman adducts. Allylindium reagents were found to be most effective.