Stereoselective Total Synthesis of (-)-Renieramycin T.

A stereoselective total synthesis of (-)-Renieramycin T (1t) from a key tetrahydroisoquinoline intermediate previously utilized in our formal total synthesis of Ecteinascidin 743 is described. The synthesis features a concise approach for construction of the pentacyclic framework using a Pictet-Spengler cyclization of bromo-substituted carbinolamine 17, which obviates the regioselectivity problem of the Pictet-Spengler cyclization. The results of cytotoxicity studies are also presented.