A short synthesis of sclareol oxide from epoxyfarnesyl acetone in six steps is described. The strategy features a titanocene-catalyzed epoxypolyene cyclization for the construction of the carbocyclic core structure. The exo olefin formed during the termination of the cyclization is essential for the ensuing functional group modification that results in the preparation of the dihydropyran.
catalysis - epoxypolyene cyclization - natural products - radicals - titanocene