Total synthesis of (±)-mersicarpine following a 6-exo-trig radical cyclization

Described is a total synthesis of racemic mersicarpine from diethyl 4-oxopimelate. The synthetic route takes advantage of a 2-indolyl radical cyclization to construct the pyrido[1,2-a]indole scaffold bearing the all-carbon quaternary stereocenter.

Automated summary

A total synthesis of racemic mersicarpine from diethyl 4-oxopimelate is described, utilizing a 2-indolyl radical cyclization to construct the pyrido[1,2-a]indole scaffold with an all-carbon quaternary stereocenter.