Total Synthesis of (±)-Welwitindolinone A Isonitrile

Abstract

A highly stereoselective total synthesis of the alkaloid natural product welwitindolinone A isonitrile has been completed. The synthesis utilizes a chloronium ion mediated semi-pinacol rearrangement to simultaneously install the C10 quaternary center and neopentyl chlorine and a novel anionic cyclization to construct the spiro-oxindole with complete stereocontrol.