A convergent total synthesis of antiplasmodial C2 symmetric (+)-ekeberin D4

The first concise total synthesis of C2 symmetric (+)-ekeberin D4 (1) that exhibits antiplasmodial activity has been achieved in total nine steps and 27% yield from the known diol 4. The efficient synthetic method features the regio- and diastereoselective epoxidation of 4 and convergent coupling between half fragments 2 and 3 by taking into account the C2 symmetric property.