Total synthesis of (±)-nardoaristolone B and its analogues

The first total synthesis of nardoaristolone B, a nor-sesquiterpenoid with an unusual fused ring system and having protective effects on the injury of neonatal rat cardiomyocytes, has been accomplished. Stereoselective synthesis of its novel analogues inlcuding exo-cyclopropyl ring fusion is also part of this disclosure. In addition, an alternate and more efficient one-step method to make a 3/5/6 tricyclic ring system using the Robinson annulation method has been developed toward the generation of a library of compounds around this skeleton.