Total Synthesis of (.+-.)-Tangutorine and Chiral HPLC Separation of Enantiomers

The first total synthesis of racemic tangutorine, a novel indole alkaloid, was performed in 7 steps. The key reactions, dithionite reduction and acidic cyclization provided easy access with good yields to the tangutorine skeleton. Comprehensive NMR spectroscopic data of new compounds are given. Chiral HPLC separation of enantiomers is reported.