The total synthesis of the top half of chlorotricolide 2, is described. The top half 65 was prepared in 14 steps (10% overall yield) from tartaric acid. The potential usefulness of this top half in the total synthesis of chlorotricolide was demonstrated by connection to bottom half models. Successful deprotection of the α-hydroxy-tetronic acid dimethyl ether moiety is also described. See figures in PDF of thesis.
Wayne Julius Thompson (Thu,) studied this question.