A xanthate-based free radical approach to defucogilvocarcin M

A formal total synthesis of the aglycon of gilvocarcin M is described. The synthesis is based on the construction of the key naphthalene 7 via a free radical addition–cyclization protocol followed by aromatization of the resulting α-tetralone. This highly functionalized aromatic system is coupled to the corresponding acid chloride 6 to afford ester 4, which by treatment with a catalytic amount of palladium (0) produced defucogilvocarcin M (1a).