Synthesis of Diarylheptanoid Scaffolds Inspired by Calyxins I and J

γ,δ-Unsaturated alcohols are prepared efficiently in two steps from o-hydroxycinnamaldehyde. The TMSOTf-mediated reaction of the γ,δ-unsaturated alcohols with aldehydes creates two oxygen heterocycles and three new stereocenters in a single pot. The approach is versatile, and by varying the boronic acid, Grignard reagent, and aldehyde, different substituents may be introduced, while use of a chiral base in the conjugate addition gives enantioenriched products.