The total synthesis of eupomatilones 2 and 5

Efficient and diastereocontrolled syntheses of natural lignans eupomatilone 2 (1) and 5 (2) are described. Biaryl coupling was achieved using Suzuki chemistry. The lactone moiety was constructed using allylmetal reagents, which were synthesized from Baylis–Hillman adducts. Allylindium reagents were found to be most effective.