Total Synthesis of (-)-Lepadiformine A Utilizing Hg(OTf)2-Catalyzed Cycloisomerization Reaction.

A cytotoxic marine alkaloid (-)-lepadiformine A (1) possesses a unique structure characterized by the trans-1-azadecalin AB ring system fused with the AC spiro-cyclic ring. In this research, we found that a cycloisomerization reaction from amino ynone 2 to a 1-azaspiro[4.5]decane skeleton 3, corresponding to the AC ring system of 1, is promoted by Hg(OTf)(2). Thus, we have accomplished the efficient total synthesis of (-)-lepadiformine A in 28% overall yield by featuring the novel Hg(OTf)(2)-catalyzed cycloisomerization.