Total Synthesis of (−)-Glionitrin A and B Enabled by an Asymmetric Oxidative Sulfenylation of Triketopiperazines

Asymmetric construction of dithiodiketopiperazines on otherwise achiral scaffolds remains a pivotal synthetic challenge encountered in many biologically significant natural products. Herein, we report the first total syntheses of (−)-glionitrin A/B and revise the absolute configurations. Emerging from the study is a novel oxidative sulfenylation of triketopiperazines that enables asymmetric formation of dithiodiketopiperazines on sensitive substrates. The concise route paves the way for further studies on the potent antimicrobial and antitumor activities of glionitrin A and the intriguing ability of glionitrin B to inhibit invasive ability of cancer cells.