Selective Synthesis of (+)-Dysoline

Dysoline, a novel chromone alkaloid isolated from Dysoxylum binectariferum, was reported to have selective cytotoxicity for HT1080 fibrosarcoma cells (IC50 of 0.21 mu M). Given the scarcity of natural material, a concise synthesis of (+)-dysoline was developed, allowing for further biological evaluation. An enantioselective nucleophile-catalyzed aldol lactonization formed the piperidine ring with control of relative and absolute stereochemistry. Construction of the C6-chromone core with complete regioselectivity was achieved using a Danheiser benzannulation.