Synthesis of (+)-Fusicoauritone

Significance

Diterpenoid fusicoccanes, isolated from the wax secration of scale insects, fungi, liverworts and higher plants, possess phytohormonal activity associated with the activation of H⁺-ATPase. A synthesis fusicoauritone is reported which features the contraction of an eleven-membered dolabelladienone ring to give the 5-8-5 tricyclic skeleton by means of a Nazarov reaction.