Synthesis of the characteristic bridged-bicylic skeleton of the welwitindolinone alkaloids was achieved via manganese(III) promoted oxidative cyclization and palladium catalyzed enolate arylation reactions. Total synthesis of N-methylwelwitindolinone D isonitrile was accomplished. Synthesis of 20,21-dihydro N-methylwelwitindolinone B isothiocyanate was also completed. During the course of these synthetic efforts, several interesting and unexpected observations were made. |