A short synthesis of strychnine from pyridine

Abstract

The synthesis of complex natural products serves as a source of great inspiration and challenge for organic chemists. The synthesis of strychnine is no exception. With six contiguous stereocenters, five of which adorn the central cyclohexane ring, a stereodefined trisubstituted olefin, and seven rings, strychnine (1, Fig. 4.1) presents a significant challenge for synthesis.