First total synthesis of dl-duocarmycin A

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0040-4039(00)97151-X

The title synthesis could be achieved by featuring introduction of a methoxycarbonyl group into the C-4 position of a 5-aminoindoline nucleus by way of an isatin derivative and subsequent ring closure to a methyl 2-methylindoxyl-2-carboxylate system by the Dieckmann cyclization.