Norsuaveoline 1a has been synthesized enantiospecifically in 28% overa
ll yield from commercially available D-(+)-tryptophan methyl ester via
the asymmetric Pictet-Spengler reaction and a stereocontrolled oxy-an
ion Cope rearrangement as key steps. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. Al
l rights reserved.