Total synthesis of applanatumol A.

The first total synthesis of applanatumol A has been achieved in a highly stereocontrolled manner. The synthetic method includes assembly of the contiguous chiral centers by convergent Fráter-Seebach alkylation, construction of the seven-membered ring by intramolecular aldol reaction, and stereoselective tandem cyclization to form the tetracyclic skeleton.