A new approach to the synthesis of aristolactams. Total synthesis of cepharanone A and B

Article abstract of DOI:10.1055/s-1997-1046

An efficient, concise and tactically new synthesis of aristolactams is described. The key step is the aryne-mediated cyclization of an amino carbanion derived from a phosphorylated halobenzamide derivative. Horner reaction, radical cyclization and ultimate deprotection complete the synthesis of the phenanthrene lactam alkaloids. The viability of the strategy is further illustrated by the synthesis of cepharanone A and B.