Total synthesis of the potent anti-inflammatory lipid mediator Protectin D1

The total synthesis of the potent anti-inflammatory lipid mediator Protectin D1 derived from docosahexaenoic acid, has been achieved. The chiral hydroxy-groups at C10 and C17 were obtained via a chiral pool strategy from (4R)-4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxolane and 3,4-O-isopropylidene-2-deoxy-d-ribose, respectively. Wittig reactions, Takai olefination, Pd0/CuI Sonogashira coupling, and Zn(Cu/Ag) reduction completed the total synthesis of Protectin D1.