The first total synthesis of prianosin B

The first asymmetric total synthesis of prianosin B (1) is described. Formation of the 16,17-dehydropyrroloiminoquinone skeleton from the pyrroloiminoquinone unit is a key step in this synthesis. Thus, the detosylation and dehydrogenation reactions of the pyrroloiminoquinone unit are caused by the presence of a catalytic amount of NaN3.