Kavalactones are classes of α-pyrone and 5,6-dihydropyrone derivatives showing various biological activities, and numerous approaches have been reported for the preparation of these molecules. In this review, we discuss the different synthetic approaches towards these naturally occurring lactones, in both racemic and enantiomerically pure forms, that have been reported in the literature to date. It is hoped that this review will assist researchers in the development of additional and efficient synthetic routes towards kavalactones.
Key words
lactones - α-pyrones - 5,6-dihydropyrones - natural products - biological activity - total synthesis - lipase resolution - chiral auxiliary
