The synthesis of compounds related to the indole-indoline core of the Vinca alkaloids (+)-vinblastine and (+)-vincristine

Abstract

A series of α′-aryl-α′-carbomethoxycycloalk-2-en-1-ones, 16, has been prepared using the Pinhey arylation methodology for introducing the aromatic residue. Subjection of these compounds to Johnson iodination and Pd[0]-catalyzed Ullmann cross-couplin