Total Synthesis of Isoellipticine

INTRODUCTION The ellipticine (1), a member of pyridocarbazole family, was firstly isolated at the end of 50’s from the leaves of Ochrosia elliptica. This alkaloid aroused interest in the pharmacologic area due its unique antitumor and anticancer properties. More recently, studies indicate that this compound and its derivatives also show activity against HIV. The isoellilpticine (2), a non-natural isomer of ellipticine (1), exhibits similar biological properties, however its preparation has been little explored.