Described herein are tricyclic macrolactones. The macrolactones have a high binding affinity for PKC. The compounds described herein can be used in a number of therapeutic applications including cancer and Alzheimer's prevention and treatment. The compounds described herein can also treat memory loss. Also described herein are methods for producing macrolactones. The methods permit the high-yield synthesis of macrolactones in fewer steps and with a higher degree of substitution and specificity.