Abstract
Polymorphatin A was reported as a constituent of Marchantia polymorpha in 2007 following much speculation as to its likely existence as a natural product. Interest was rekindled when a claimed total synthesis revealed inconsistencies in spectral data between the synthetic sample and those reported for the natural product. Herein we describe a total synthesis of polymorphatin A, supported by an X-ray crystal structure of its trimethyl ether, that adds further intrigue as our synthetic sample displays physical and spectral characteristics that differ from data provided in the aforementioned reports.
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