LAUSR

Abstract The first synthesis of anti-tubercular marine alkaloids denigrins A and B were accomplished in three and five steps and 62% and 31% overall yields respectively, from maleic anhydride. The key features of the synthesis include efficient Mizoroki-Heck reaction, geometry-controlled vinylogous aldol condensation, and one-pot lactamization. The synthesis first demonstrates the serviceability of maleic anhydride in palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions with diaryliodonium salt.