Asymmetric total synthesis of (+)-swainsonine

Abstract

A concise asymmetric synthesis of (+)-swainsonine (ent-1) is described starting from 2, which was readily prepared from commercially available L-glutamic acid. The method features installation of the indolizidine ring via an intramolecular cyclisation of α-sulfinyl carbanion as a key step. (+)-Swainsonine was obtained in 11.8% overall yield in 10 steps.