Studies aimed at the total synthesis of azadirachtin. A modeled connection of C-8 and C-14 in azadirachtin.

[reaction: see text] Studies on the connection between the right and left segments of azadirachtin are described. The Ireland-Claisen rearrangement of Li-enolate of the modeled ester with dichlorodimethylsilane in toluene afforded the desired limonoid framework stereoselectively in good yield.