Total synthesis of the isoquinoline alkaloid decumbenine B via Ru(iii)-catalyzed C–H activation†
Abstract
A novel and efficient method for the total synthesis of the natural product decumbenine B was described. The shortcomings in the existing synthetic routes of this isoquinoline alkaloid were minimized through the application of Ru(III)-catalyzed direct ortho-hydroxymethylation of intermediate 9. With this method, decumbenine B could be easily synthesized from commercially available materials by only five steps with an overall yield of 26.1%.