Total Synthesis of (-)-Phorbaketal A.

A convergent asymmetric total synthesis of phorbaketal A was achieved in 10 steps through a Au(I)-catalyzed intramolecular spiroketalization reaction of an alkyne diol intermediate prepared from (R)-carvone and geranial. The spiroketalization reaction was regio- and stereoselective and was accompanied by isomerization of an exo-olefin into the trisubstituted olefin to form a unique spiroketal structure of phorbaketals.