Synthesis of (±)-camptothecin using a [3+2] nitrone cycloaddition to construct the CDE ring moiety

A novel synthesis to camptothecin is described. A Friedlander condensation of o-aminobenzaldehye 2 with tricylclic ketone 3 affords camptothecin after further elaboration. Tricyclic ketone 3 is prepared via a route employing a [3+2] nitrone cycloaddition and an intramolecular Knoevenagel condensation.