The focus of this research will involve the use of cation-stabilizing (C-S) auxiliaries to enhance the yield, stereo- and regioselectivity of polyene cyclization processes. The role of the auxiliaries will be explored by placing them at varied positions on the substrate, by developing new C-S functional groups, by studying the effect of using two or more C-S functions and by applying the concept to the synthesis of hitherto difficult to obtain polycyclics of biological importance. A second focus will involve the use of chiral acetals to induce asymmetric synthesis. %%% With this Accomplishment Based Renewal, the Synthetic Organic Program is supporting the research of Dr. William S. Johnson of the Department of Chemistry at Stanford university. Professor Johnson will focus his work on developing reactions that mimic, and even rival in efficiency, enzymatic ring-forming processes which form polycyclic carbon compounds of biological importance.
