Straightforward Enantioselective Synthesis of Both Enantiomers of Karahana Lactone Using a Domino Ring-Closure Sequence

A straightforward enantioselective synthesis of both enantiomers of karahana lactone is described starting from enantiopure (R) or (S)-4-hydroxy-3-methyl-cyclohex-2-en-1-one. The key step of the sequence is an acid-induced domino reaction with three pathways running. Because of the first description of karahana lactone as a solid, the structure was secured by X-ray structural analysis.