Total synthesis of mycestericin A

The first total synthesis of mycestericin A (1) starting from tartrates is described. The Overman rearrangement of an allylic trichloroacetimidate generated a tetra-substituted carbon with nitrogen, and subsequent stereoselective transformations afforded the highly functionalized vinyl iodide. The cross-coupling of the vinyl iodide with a chiral organozinc species under Negishi conditions, followed by deprotection, completed the total synthesis of 1.