Total synthesis of (±)-nicolaioidesin B via a highly regio- and diastereoselective Diels–Alder reaction

The total synthesis of (±)-nicolaioidesin B, a natural product that shows preferential cytotoxicity against pancreatic cancer cells under nutrient starvation conditions, is achieved. The key step is a thermally-induced, highly regio- and diastereoselective Diels–Alder reaction between (E)-N-methoxy-N-methylcinnamide and ocimene under solvent-free conditions.