A transition metal-free approach to a regioselective total synthesis of the natural product derivative 6-methylellipticine, a potent anticancer agent

Abstract

A transition metal-free and regioselective total synthesis of 6-methylellipticine, a potent anticancer agent, was developed. This synthetic approach mainly involved two key reactions: a direct amination of multi-functional phenol via an alkylation-Smiles rearrangement protocol, and an intramolecular C–H bond arylation reaction promoted by potassium tert-butoxide. These reactions resulted in the formation of two key intermediates, diarylamine and carbazole derivative, under transition metal-free conditions. The last cyclization afforded the target product 6-methylellipticine.