Total Synthesis of an Anticancer Natural Product (±)-Peharmaline A and Its Analogues

Abstract

First total synthesis of a rare β-carboline–vasicinone hybrid alkaloid (±)-peharmaline A has been accomplished in just 3 steps starting from known compounds. Stereoselective Pictet–Spengler reaction to nitrogenated tertiary carbon center and one-pot construction of the tricyclic skeleton of vasicinone are the highlights of present synthesis. We have also synthesized structurally close analogues of the natural product by following the developed route.