Synthesis of the bicyclo[7.3.0]dodecatrienediyne core of the C-1027 chromophore.

[reaction: see text] C-1027, an extremely potent antitumor agent, is composed of chromophore 1 and an apoprotein. Here we report a general and efficient route to the exceedingly reactive bicyclo[7.3.0]dodecatrienediyne core of 1, utilizing selenoxide elimination and epoxide deoxygenation to build the cyclopentadiene and enediyne structures, respectively.