Regioselective 1,2-Diol Rearrangement by Controlling the Loading of BF3·Et2O and Its Application to the Synthesis of Related Nor-Sesquiterene- and Sesquiterene-Type Marine Natural Products.

The regiocontrolled rearrangement of 1,2-diols has been achieved by controlling the loading of BF3·Et2O. Its applicability is showcased by the divergent synthesis of austrodoral, austrodoric acid, and 8-epi-11-nordriman-9-one, as well as a formal synthesis of siphonodictyal B and liphagal. A new light is shed on piancol-type rearrangements that will be useful in diversity-oriented synthesis of related natural products.