The first enantioselective synthesis of (−)-microbiotol and (+)-β-microbiotene

The first enantioselective total synthesis of (-)-microbiotol and(+)-\beta-microbiotene, sesquiterpenes containing three neighboring quaternary carbon atoms belonging to the cyclocuparane group, starting from cyclogeraniol employing a Sharpless-Katsuki asymmetric epoxidation, a boron trifluoride etherate mediated epoxidere arrangement and an intramolecular diazo ketone cyclopropanation as key steps, is described.