Total Synthesis of (±)‐Kopsihainanine A

Abstract

Going all the way: The first total synthesis of (±)-kopsihainanine A has been achieved in ten steps with a 12 % overall yield from commercially available 1,2,3,4-tetrahydrocarbazol-4-one (see scheme). This synthesis features an intramolecular conjugate addition of the iminium ion formed in situ with the amide and a substrate-controlled diastereoselective α-hydroxylation. Furthermore, ring D is formed by a late-stage transannular SN2 reaction.