Mintlactone is synthesized in a concise and efficient way by using a highly diastereoselective intramolecular propargylic Barbier reaction, followed by an allenol cyclocarbonylation. Tin(II) chloride is found to be the most effective reagent for the Barbier reaction.
Division of Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, 21 Nanyang Link, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637371. roderick@ntu.edu.sg
