First Total Synthesis of (±)-Strychnofoline via a Highly Selective Ring-Expansion Reaction

An efficient synthesis of the antitumor alkaloid (±)-strychnofoline is documented. Key to the development of the highly convergent strategy delineated is the coupling of a cyclic imine with spiro[cyclopropan-1,3‘-oxindole], which takes place in a highly diastereoselective manner. The ability to conduct annulation reactions of spirocyclopropyloxindoles with functionalized cyclic imines provides new avenues for the preparation of this important class of biologically active structures.