Total synthesis of (-)-21-isopentenylpaxilline

[GRAPHICS] The total synthesis of (-)-21-isopentenylpaxilline (1) has been achieved. Key elements of the synthesis include the stereocontrolled construction of the advanced eastern hemisphere (-)-5, a highly efficient union of the eastern and western fragments (-)-5 and 4, respectively, exploiting our 2-substituted indole synthesis, and a new protocol for the construction of ring C.