Stereoselective synthesis of the insect growth regulator (S)-(+)-hydroprene through Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling

A stereoselective synthesis of the insect growth regulator (S)-(+)-hydroprene has been developed in seven steps with 50% overall yield starting from an easily available bromoester. Through using the Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling as the key Csp2–Csp2 bond forming step, high level of stereocontrol of the C2–C3 olefin is achieved.