Total synthesis of (±)-decursivine via BINOL-phosphoric acid catalyzed tandem oxidative cyclization.

The synthesis of tetracyclic indole alkaloid (±)-decursivine was accomplished using BINOL-phosphoric acid catalyzed tandem oxidative cyclization as a key step with (bis(trifluoroacetoxy)iodo)benzene (PIFA) as an oxidizing agent. This represents one of the shortest and highest yielding routes for the synthesis of (±)-decursivine from readily available starting materials.