Methods and intermediates for synthesizing SK1-I

1. A method for synthesizing the compound

in which R is an alkyl group, comprising the reaction steps of:

(i)

(ii)

(iii)

(iv)

wherein R is a C 1-20 alkyl group;

(v)

(vi)

and

(vii) reacting

with DIBAL in the presence of Rochelle salt, thereby obtaining

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein R is a linear alkyl group.

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein R is a branched alkyl group.

4. The method of claim 1 , wherein step (vii) comprises the substeps of:

(a) adding

to DIBAL to form a reaction mixture, and

(b) adding the reaction mixture to a solution comprising Rochelle salt.

5. The method of claim 4 , wherein R is a linear alkyl group.

6. The method of claim 5 , wherein R is a C 5 H 11 group.

7. The method of claim 4 , wherein R is a branched alkyl group.