Stereoselective synthesis of polyoxygenated atisane-type diterpenoids

A new stereoselective approach to polyoxygenated atisane-type diterpenes starting from (S)-(+)-carvone is described. The key steps involve an intramolecular Diels–Alder reaction, an unusual intramolecular diazo ketone cyclopropanation of an unsaturated ketone, and a regioselective endocyclic cleavage of a cyclopropyl carbinyl radical as key synthetic steps. The synthesis of the bioactive polyoxygenated atisanes atis-16(17)-en-3,14-dione (2) and 3R-hydroxy-atis-16(17)-en-2,14-dione (3) following this approach is presented.