He, W.; Huang, J.; Sun, X.; Frontier, A. J. J. Am. Chem Soc., 2008, 130, 300-308.

 ±-Merrilactone A is a compound found naturally in flowers of the Illicium family related to Star Anise that promotes neuron growth in rats.  The following step forms Molecule 26 through radical mediated cyclization and an acidic workup.

“President Marshall (Harrison Ford) is trapped on Air Force One with Russian radicals! The plane is sabotaged, heavily damaged, and will crash soon.  The Russians have taken hostages, and insist that the President answer questions on compounds 24 to 26 before they will let a hostage go.  Help President Marshall save his family and staff by understanding the details of the synthesis from molecule 24 to 26!”