Total synthesis of alkaloid (+/-)-G. B. 13 using a Rh(I)-catalyzed ketone hydroarylation and late-stage pyridine reduction.

Total synthesis of the Galbulimima alkaloid G. B. 13 was achieved utilizing a functionalized pyridine moiety as a piperidine surrogate. Key to the success of the synthesis was the development of an unprecedented rhodium-catalyzed 1,2-addition of an arylboronic ester into an unactivated ketone.