Collective Total Synthesis of (−)-Lundurines A–C

A collective asymmetric total synthesis of lundurines A–C using l-pyroglutamic acid derived from the chiral pool is described. The key steps include a tandem reductive amination/lactamization sequence to introduce the pyrrolidinone ring, a palladium-catalyzed intramolecular direct C–H vinylation of indole to construct the crucial polyhydroazocine ring, and a Lewis acid promoted formal [3 + 2] cycloaddition/N2 extrusion process to install the polysubstituted cyclopropyl ring.