Formal Synthesis of Ecteinascidin 743 from N-Cbz-l-tyrosine

A formal total synthesis of ecteinascidin 743 and lurbinectedin is achieved. Key features involve a Pictet–Spengler cyclization coupling of the tetrahydroisoquinoline and phenylalaninol moieties prepared by a common route with high yield and selectivity, a Parikh–Doering oxidation with good chemoselectivity and functionality tolerance, and a light-mediated A-ring elaboration of pentacyclic methoxyquinone substrates. By the approach, the known advanced intermediate (4-step conversion to Et-743) can be obtained conveniently in 21 total steps from N -Cbz- l -tyrosine.