A novel total synthesis of isocryptolepine based on a microwave-assisted tandem Curtius rearrangement and aza-electrocyclic reaction

A new entry to the total synthesis of isocryptolepine (cryptosanguinolentine), isolated from Cryptolepis sanguinolenta, was achieved by constructing a tetracyclic ring system through a microwave-assisted tandem Curtius rearrangement and electrocyclic reaction of an aza 6π-electron system. The tetracyclic lactam was converted to isocryptolepine in a four-step sequence.

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