In his thesis, Kiyoun Lee describes his studies into tandem and organocatalytic oxa-conjugate addition reactions for the synthesis of complex tetrahydropyrans (THP). Readers gain insight into the new methods Lee employs for the synthesis of biologically interesting natural products including (+)-leucascandrolide A, (+)-dactylolide, and (+/-)diospongin A. The reactions Lee investigates are applicable to a broad range of substrates and proceed with excellent stereoselectivity. Moreover, the methodologies allow the synthesis of a wide range of THP-containing compounds. The development of reactions, such as those discussed by Lee, has the potential to impact natural product synthesis, pharmaceutical development and chemical biology.

In his thesis, Kiyoun Lee describes his studies into tandem and organocatalytic oxa-conjugate addition reactions for the synthesis of complex tetrahydropyrans (THP). Readers gain insight into the new methods Lee employs for the synthesis of biologically interesting natural products including (+)-leucascandrolide A, (+)-dactylolide, and (±)diospongin A. The reactions Lee investigates are applicable to a broad range of substrates and proceed with excellent stereoselectivity. Moreover, the methodologies allow the synthesis of a wide range of THP-containing compounds. The development of reactions, such as those discussed by Lee, has the potential to impact natural product synthesis, pharmaceutical development and chemical biology.