The total synthesis of (+/-)-fortucine and a revision of the structure of kirkine.

Abstract : The total synthesis of the natural product fortucine relies on a radical cascade process initiated by the generation of a nitrogen-centered (amidyl) radical (see picture). The procedure is concise, and tin-free, as well as stereo- and regioselective. This synthesis has enabled the correction of the structure of kirkine, and the strategy represents a general and rapid entry into the galanthan framework.