Total synthesis of (±)-decursivine via BINOL-phosphoric acid catalyzed tandem oxidative cyclization

The synthesis of tetracyclic indole alkaloid (+/-)-decursivine was accomplished using BINOL-phosphoric acid catalyzed tandem oxidative cyclization as a key step with (bis(trifluoroacetoxy)iodo)benzene (PIFA) as an oxidizing agent. This represents one of the shortest and highest yielding routes for the synthesis of (+/-)-decursivine from readily available starting materials.

Automated summary

The synthesis of tetracyclic indole alkaloid (+/-)-decursivine was achieved through a tandem oxidative cyclization catalyzed by BINOL-phosphoric acid, using (bis(trifluoroacetoxy)iodo)benzene (PIFA) as an oxidizing agent. This represents a short and high-yielding route for the synthesis of (+/-)-decursivine from readily available starting materials.