Synthesis of (-)-cryptopleurine by combining gold(I) catalysis with a free radical cyclization

Article abstract of DOI:10.1002/ejoc.201403700

(R)-(-)-Cryptopleurine, a highly cytotoxic alkaloid found in Cryptocarya and Boehmeria species, was synthesized in high optical purity using a gold(I)-NHC catalyzed cyclization of an unsymmetrical phenanthrene precursor combined with a free radical cyclization to achieve closure of the C-ring.