Structure-Pattern-Based Total Synthesis.

In this article the concept of structure-pattern-recognition and its application to total synthesis is summarized. By applying this synthetic strategy to the two biogenetically unrelated natural product families Sarpagine and Stemona alkaloids, a drastic increase of synthetic efficiency could be achieved. To highlight its potential, this strategy is compared with some elegant target-oriented syntheses. The importance of strategic planning and synthesis design is clearly demonstrated.