Synthesis of (+)-decarestrictine L

A synthesis of (+)-decarestrictine L 1, a cholesterol biosynthesis inhibitory metabolite isolated from Penicillium simplicissimum, is described. Beginning from tri-O-acetyl- -glucal, alkylation with trimethylaluminum introduced the axial methyl group at C-2 in a stereoselective fashion. Chain extension at the C-6 carbon was accomplished by generation of the primary tosylate, followed by displacement with cyanide anion. The synthesis of (+)-1 was completed in 13 steps and 6.3% overall yield