Synthesis of lactone 26 from isolated samples of dimers 11 and 13. Step a, (Boc)2O, tetrahydrofuran 3 h at 25°C. Step b, 2 M aqueous KOH, CH3OH, 6 h at 25°C. Step c, 2-chloro-1-methylpyridinium iodide, triethylamine, CH3CN, 80°C, high dilution (12). Step d, 10% Pd/C, H2, CH3OH. Step e, CF3COOH, CH2Cl2, 2 h at 0°C. Step f, see ref. 13.