Stereoselective Total Synthesis of (-)-Renieramycin T

A stereoselective total synthesis of (-)-Renieramycin T (It) from a key tetrahydroisoquinoline intermediate previously utilized in our formal total synthesis of Ecteinascidin 743 is described. The synthesis features a concise approach for construction of the pentacyclic framework using a Pictet Spengler cyclization of bromo-substituted carbinolamine 17, which obviates the regioselectivity problem of the Pictet Spengler cyclization. The results of cytotoxicity studies are also presented.