The total synthesis of (-)-denticulatin B (2) was achieved in 9 steps (20% yield), with 70% overall diastereoselectivity, starting from the ethyl ketone (R)-9. Most of the stereochemistry was introduced by substrate-based control. Key steps include the boron-mediated aldol/reduction, 9 --> 22, the titanium-mediated aldol coupling,26 + 8 --> 38, and the directed cyclisation, 35 --> 2. Epimerisation at C-10 in 35 led to (-)-denticulatin A (1).