A Unifying Synthesis Approach to the C-, C-, and C-Diterpenoid Alkaloids.

The secondary metabolites that comprise the diterpenoid alkaloids are categorized into C, C, and C families depending on the number of contiguous carbon atoms that constitute their central framework. Herein, we detail our efforts to prepare these molecules by chemical synthesis, including a photochemical approach, and ultimately a bioinspired strategy that has resulted in the development of a unifying synthesis of one C (weisaconitine D), one C (liljestrandinine), and three C (cochlearenine, paniculamine, and N-ethyl-1α-hydroxy-17-veratroyldictyzine) natural products from a common intermediate.