Synthesis of model BC bicycles of taxol using C10–C11 ring-closing metathesis strategy

Model BC ring-systems of taxol 23b and 28b, which lack an oxygenated substituent at C7, have been efficiently synthesized. The key step is a ring-closing metathesis (RCM) to form the 8-membered B ring between C10 and C11. Comparison of the metathesis reaction in this route with the RCM used in a previous study with similar substrates is highlighted.