The synthesis of epi-epoxydon utilising the Baylis–Hillman reaction

(±)-epi-Epoxydon was synthesised by means of a triethylaluminium/tri-n-butylphosphine-catalysed Baylis–Hillman reaction between an O-protected epoxidised hydroxyquinol core and paraformaldehyde, constituting the first application of the Baylis–Hillman reaction to a highly functionalised β-substituted enone.