Biogenetically patterned synthesis of camptothecin and 20-deoxycamptothecin

A biogenetically patterned synthetic route to the monoterpenoid quinoline alkaloids 20-deoxycamptothecin and (±)-camptothecin from secologanin and tryptamine via vincoside/strictosidine lactams has now been realized, and hence afforded likely biosynthetic intermediates for testing in vivo.