Total Synthesis of (-)-Vindorosine

Abstract

Outlined herein is a novel and scalable synthesis of (-)-vindorosine based on two key transformations. A highly diastereoselective vinylogous Mannich addition of dioxinone-derived lithium dienolates with indolyl N-tert-butanesulfinyl imines has been developed. In addition, an intramolecular Heathcock/aza-Prins cyclization was introduced to construct both the C, and the highly substituted E rings for the synthesis of (-)-vindorosine and related alkaloids.

Keywords: alkaloids; cyclizations; heterocycles; natural products; total synthesis.