Total Synthesis of (±)‐Decursivine and (±)‐Serotobenine: A Witkop Photocyclization/Elimination/O‐Michael Addition Cascade Approach

Abstract

A photo op: The concise total syntheses of (±)-decursivine and (±)-serotobenine were achieved by using the titled cascade reaction, which is modeled on the biomimetic pathway. The synthesis of (±)-decursivine, which exhibits antimalarial activity, was carried out in five steps without using protecting groups.