A combined RCM-Bischler–Napieralski strategy towards the synthesis of the carbon skeleton of excentricine and related stephaoxocanes

A convenient synthetic approach to a cyclodeca[ij]isoquinoline derivative, which embodies the carbon skeleton of excentricine and related stephaoxocanes, is described. The synthesis involves the combined use of ring closing metathesis and Bischler–Napieralski cyclizations for the construction of the homocyclic and nitrogen-bearing rings, respectively.