A Modular Approach to Oxoindolizino Quinolines: Efficient Synthesis of Mappicine Ketone (Nothapodytine B)

Abstract

A general route to oxoindolizino quinolines, such as nothapodytine A, mappicine, camptothecin, and several chemotherapeutic derivatives, is illustrated by the synthesis of the antiviral natural product from Nothapodytes foetida, mappicine ketone (R1=R4=H, R2=CH3, R3=COC2H5). A wide range of new camptothecinoids should now be readily available for biological testing.