Total Synthesis of Zephycarinatines via Photocatalytic Reductive Radical ipso-Cyclization

We report herein a nonbiomimetic strategy for the total synthesis of the plicamine-type alkaloids zephycarinatines C and D. The key feature of the synthesis is a stereoselective reductive radical ipso-cyclization using visible-light-mediated photoredox catalysis. This cyclization enabled the construction of a 6,6-spirocyclic core structure through the addition of a carbon-centered radical onto the aromatic ring. Biological evaluation of zephycarinatines and their derivatives revealed that the synthetic derivative with a keto group displays moderate inhibitory activity against LPS-induced NO production. This approach could offer future opportunities to expand the chemical diversity of plicamine-type alkaloids as well as providing useful intermediates for their syntheses.