Highly functionalized trans-2,5-disubstituted tetrahydrofurans from ribofuranoside templates: precursors to linked polycyclic ethers

Iodoetherification of C5 allylated ribo-furanosides leads to trans-2,5-disubstituted tetrahydrofurans with high selectivity. The application of this reaction to the synthesis of complex polycyclic ethers is illustrated in the preparation of a truncated, tricyclic analog of monensin A.