Enantioselective Total Synthesis of (−)‐Minovincine in Nine Chemical Steps: An Approach to Ketone Activation in Cascade Catalysis

Abstract

Dressed to the nines: The first enantioselective total synthesis of (-)-minovincine has been accomplished in nine chemical steps and 13 % overall yield. A novel, one-step Diels-Alder/β-elimination/conjugate addition organocascade sequence allowed rapid access to the central tetracyclic core in an asymmetric manner. Boc=tert-butoxycarbonyl, LG=leaving group, PMB=para-methoxybenzyl.