Synthesis of (–)-Cryptopleurine by Combining Gold(I) Catalysis with a Free Radical Cyclization

(R)-(–)-Cryptopleurine, a highly cytotoxic alkaloid found in Cryptocarya and Boehmeria species, was synthesized in high optical purity using a gold(I)-NHC catalyzed cyclization of an unsymmetrical phenanthrene precursor combined with a free radical cyclization to achieve closure of the C-ring.