An asymmetric total synthesis of (+)-(3R,4S,5R,7S)-neoclausenamide

A new hepatoprotective lactam (+)-(3R,4S,5R,7S)-neoclausenamide 1 isolated from the leaves of Chinese folk medicine Clausena lansium(Lour.) Skeel, has been readily synthesized from methyl (2R,3S)-2,3-dihydroxy-3-phenylpropanoate in 22.0% overall yield.