An approach to the total synthesis of welwistatin

An approach to the total synthesis of the antimicrotubule agent welwistatin is described. Key transformations include (1) a 7-endo intramolecular conjugate addition reaction of enone 6 to deliver the strained bicyclo [4.3.1] decanone 5; (2) a 6 pi electrocyclic ring closure of trienecarbamate 16 followed by oxidation to afford protected aniline 17; and (3) an intramolecular cyclization of acetic acid derivative 18 to give rise to indole 19.