A concise synthesis of the pentacyclic framework of cortistatins

An efficient synthesis of the pentacyclic framework of cortistatins has been developed. The key strategy comprises assembly of the A- and the CD-ring fragments by Knoevenagel reaction, facile formation of the pyran ring via electrocyclization, and construction of the seven-membered B-ring by radical addition to an alpha,beta-unsaturated ketone.