Seminar:

The welwitindolinones belong to a unique family of indole alkaloids isolated from the lipophilic extracts of the blue-green algae Hapalosiphon welwitschii and Westiella intricata. These natural products display striking biological activities, such as the ability to reverse P-glycoprotein mediated multidrug resistance (MDR), and possess a daunting molecular architecture characterized by the bicyclo[4.3.1]decane core found in most members of the family.Consequently, these compounds have generated interest from synthesis groups around the globe and have inspired the development of numerous, creative routes to them. As part of an ongoing program aimed at the development of a comprehensive approach toward this intriguing family of alkaloids, we have developed a concise route that is expected to provide access to all members of this family of alkaloids. I will present our results on the chemical synthesis of these intricate natural products.