A synthesis of strychnine by a longest linear sequence of six steps

Abstract

Strychnine is synthesized via a longest linear sequence of six steps from commercially available starting materials. Key steps include a base-mediated intramolecular Diels-Alder reaction of a tryptaminederived Zincke aldehyde, a Ru-catalyzed trans-hydrosilylation of 1,4-butynediol, and a tandem Brook rearrangement/intramolecular conjugate addition reaction that affords the Wieland-Gumlich aldehyde. © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2011.