The anislactone type sesquiterpenoids, (-)-merrilactones A-C and anislactones A-B, contain[5-5] bicyclic carbocyclic skeleton, two γ-butyrolactone structural units, featuring congested stereocenters and a high oxidation level. This type of natural products shows potent neurotrophic activity. Particularly, (-)-merrilactone A exhibits excellent neurotrophic activity even at lower concentration with potential for treating neurodisease such as Elzheimer disease. Due to their complex caged structures and excellent biologic profiles, the synthesis of aislactone-type sesquiterpenoids has attracted considerable attention from synthetic communities. This article summarizes the recent advances in the synthesis of this type of sesquiterpenoids.

Key words: anislactone, merrilactone, sesquiterpenes, total synthesis