Total synthesis of (±)-podophyllotoxin and (±)-epipodophyllotoxin

A novel approach to (±)-epipodophyllotoxin (2) and hence also (±)-podophyllotoxin (1) is described, involving as a key-step the stereoselective ring closure of the TMS-ester derived from 14a to the tetralin derivative 15 with mesyl chloride.A novel approach to (±)-epipodophyllotoxin (2) and hence also (±)-podophyllotoxin (1) is described, involving as a key-step the stereoselective ring closure of the TMS-ester derived from 14a to the tetralin derivative 15 with mesyl chloride.A