A convergent stereoselective total synthesis of (8'R)- and (8'S)-coros
soline (1) has been performed via a multi-step process. Comparison of
the mp, [alpha](D), ir and nmr data of both synthetic materials with t
hose reported for natural corossoline did not allow for the strict det
ermination of the configuration at the C-8' hydroxyl group of 1. Howev
er, a slight chemical shift difference at the C-8' methine proton was
observed in the H-1-nmr spectra of the corresponding tris-MTPA esters
of synthetic (8'R)- and (8'S)-1, indicating that if the tris-MTPA este
r of natural 1 is available, the stereochemistry at the C-8' hydroxyl
group of corossoline will be established.