Xanthone natural products via N-heterocyclic carbene catalysis: total synthesis of atroviridin.

The total synthesis of atroviridin has been accomplished by a linear route involving the N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC)-catalyzed aroylation of the fluorobenzene derivative, Claisen cyclization of the O-propargylated benzophenones, and intramolecular 1,4-addition of the quinone intermediates. The result provides a viable route to xanthone natural products.