An asymmetric route to total synthesis of the furano lignan (+)-veraguensin

Total synthesis of the furano lignan (+)-veraguensin is described. The key steps involve a diastereoselective aldol-type condensation of an ester enolate having an α-chiral center with an aromatic aldehyde and a novel isomerization of the syn vicinal substituents on the furan ring via a ring opening–ring closing protocol.