First total synthesis of (-)- and (+)-6-O-desmethylantofine.

The first total synthesis of (-)-6-O-desmethylantofine (A) and its unnatural enantiomer (+)-6-O-desmethylantofine (B) is described. The synthetic route is efficient and practical with easily available glutamic acid dimethyl ester hydrochloride as the chiral material under mild conditions.