A Concise Route to alpha '-Methoxy-gamma-pyrones and Verticipyrone Based Upon the Desymmetrization of alpha,alpha '-Dimethoxy-gamma-pyrone

Two steps is the rule: A concise synthesis of versatile α′-methoxy-γ-pyrones (see scheme) is described that uses an innovative desymmetrization of α,α′-dimethoxy-γ-pyrone, relying upon conjugate addition of nucleophiles. This new strategy is applied to the preparation of α-methyl- and α-carboxaldehyde-α′-methoxy-γ-pyrones and to a short synthesis of verticipyrone.