Synthesis of nor-sesquiterpene spirolactones and their steroidal hybrids revisited. The neopentyl dilemma: misassignment of one stereocentre may necessitate a completely new approach

Inversion at the highly congested C1 position of 1-epi-pathylactone A (1-epi-1), or its corresponding steroidal hybrid 8a, using a diverse range of published procedures including microwave assisted Mitsunobu reaction or via oxidation to the corresponding ketone and subsequent reduction, was unsuccessful in our hands. Attempts to convert the C1 hydroxyl group into its corresponding chloride, en route to napalilactone 2a, also failed. Precursors with the C1α configuration installed at early stage proved not to be amenable to the targets under a broad range of conditions.