The first synthesis of (−)-ebelactone A and (−)-ebelactone B by Paterson and Hulme used three boron-mediated aldol reactions to create six of the seven stereogenic centres and an Ireland–Claisen rearrangement to create the trisubstituted alkene. 14 and 15 A noteworthy feature of this synthesis is the preservation of the ketone function at C9 with its two flanking stereogenic centres throughout the synthesis without recourse to protection. A synthesis of (−)- ...