A convergent synthesis of the macrolide core of migrastatin

We describe an efficient synthesis of the 14-membered macrolide core 2 of migrastatin via key intermediate 3 employing a diastereoselective aldol condensation, Lewis acid mediated diastereoselective addition and an exclusive (Z)-olefination sequence. Yamaguchi esterification of the key intermediate 3 followed by ring-closing metathesis (RCM) produced macrolide 2 with high selectivity and good yield.