The total synthesis of (±)-Cepharatine A

The hasubanan alkaloid cepharatine A, was efficiently synthesized in 8 steps from commercially available starting materials in overall 16% yield. Highlighted in this synthesis, is a tandem phenolic alkylation – annulation which formed both a quaternary center as well as an unsaturated ring. This key step allowed for rapid construction of the core of the molecule. Subsequent reductive amination and acid catalyzed cyclization afforded the title compound.