New Asymmetric Synthesis of Alkannin and Shikonin

A new approach for asymmetric synthesis of alkannin and shikonin is presented. The chiral centers of the targets were introduced via an asymmetric C-arylation of protected chiral glyceraldehyde in high de. The two enantiomers were prepared with the D-isopropylideneglyceraldehyde as the starting material.