A concise total synthesis of (−)-quinocarcin via aryne annulation

Described in this report is a rapid asymmetric total synthesis of the tetrahydroisoquinoline antitumor antibiotic (−)-quinocarcin. The sequence employs a mild fluoride-induced aryne annulation developed in our laboratories to build a key isoquinoline-containing intermediate comprising the entire carbon scaffold of the natural product. This intermediate is advanced through six additional steps to the target alkaloid, providing the shortest synthetic route to (−)-quinocarcin reported to date