Total synthesis of (+)-lentiginosine via a key Au catalysis

Total syntheses of (+)-lentiginosine and its 8a-epimer using a gold-catalyzed oxidative cyclization as the key step were realized. The gold chemistry, reported previously in a 4+2] synthesis of piperidin-4-ones, tolerates functionalized structures and is compatible with several protecting strategies albeit with low diastereoselectivities.