(+)-Narciclasine (2) available in quantity from certain Amaryllidaceae spec
ies or by total synthesis was employed as a precursor for a 10-step synthet
ic conversion (3.6% overall yield) to natural (+)-pancratistatin (la). The
key procedures involved epoxidation of natural (+)-narciclasine (2) to epox
ide 6, reduction to diol 8, and formation of cyclic sulfate 12 and its ring
opening with cesium benzoate followed by saponification of the benzoate to
afford (+)-pancratistatin (1a).