We report the first total synthesis of (−)-kopsifoline A and (+)-kopsifoline E. Our synthetic strategy features a biogenetically inspired regioselective C17-functionalization of a versatile intermediate containing the pentacyclic core of aspidosperma alkaloids. The vinylogous urethane substructure of this intermediate affords (−)-kopsifoline D via C3−C21 bond formation under the Mitsunobu reaction conditions, while it enables selective C17-functionalization en route to (−)-kopsifoline A and (+)-kopsifoline E.

We report the first total synthesis of (–)-kopsifoline A and (+)-kopsifoline E. Our synthetic strategy features a biogenetically inspired regioselective C17-functionalization of a versatile intermediate containing the pentacyclic core of aspidosperma alkaloids. While this advance intermediate provides (–)-kopsifoline D via C3–C21 bond formation, regioselective C17-boronation of its indoline substructure prior to introduction of the F-ring enables access to (–)-kopsifoline A and (+)-kopsifoline E. The vinylogous urethane substructure of the key intermediate was critical in C17-boronation over a competing C7-boronation in related indole derived substrates. After oxidation of the C17–B bond to introduce the C17-ether, the C3–C21 bond of the targets is secured under the Mitsunobu reaction conditions with the vinylogous urethane as the nucleophilic component.

We report the first total synthesis of (–)-kopsifoline A and (+)-kopsifoline E. Our synthetic strategy features a biogenetically inspired regioselective C17-functionalization of a versatile intermediate containing the pentacyclic core of aspidosperma alkaloids. While this advance intermediate provides (–)-kopsifoline D via C3–C21 bond formation, regioselective C17-boronation of its indoline substructure prior to introduction of the F-ring enables access to (–)-kopsifoline A and (+)-kopsifoline E. The vinylogous urethane substructure of the key intermediate was critical in C17-boronation over a competing C7-boronation in related indole derived substrates. After oxidation of the C17–B bond to introduce the C17-ether, the C3–C21 bond of the targets is secured under the Mitsunobu reaction conditions with the vinylogous urethane as the nucleophilic component.