A Total Synthesis of (−)-Strychnine Using Photoredox Catalysis

A concise route toward (-)-strychnine is presented. Key steps include the photoredox-catalytic C2-cyanomethylation of Boc-l-Trp-OMe and a condensation-electrocyclization cascade linking two fragments convergently to obtain an advanced intermediate. A photochemical decarboxylation provided convenient access to strychnofluorine, which could be transformed through the Wieland-Gumlich aldehyde to strychnine. All building blocks can be traced back to renewable sources.