LeucosceptroidsA and B are sesterterpenoids with potent antifeedant and antifungal activities. A more efficient gram-scale total synthesis of leucosceptroidB and the first total synthesis of leucosceptroidA are presented. The key transformations include an aldol reaction between a substituted dihydrofuranone and an (S)-citronellal-derived aldehyde, a SmI2-mediated intramolecular ketyl-olefin radical cyclization, and final-stage alcohol oxidation.
