. In the case of pseudopyronine
A (1), the required b-oxo carboxylic acid 5 was
prepared via saponification of the known methyl b-oxo ester
3 (Scheme 1).23 Cyclisation of 5 using 1.1 equiv of carbonyldiimidazole
in THF afforded the target acylpyrone skeleton 7.
Reduction of the a-acyl group in 7 utilising NaCNBH3 in
THF/aq HCl24 afforded pseudopyronine A (1),