Efficient synthesis of eudistomin U and evaluation of its cytotoxicity

Abstract Eudistomin U is a member of a subclass of naturally occurring indole alkaloids known as β-carbolines. These molecules are reported to have diverse biological activity and high binding affinity to DNA, which make them attractive targets for total synthesis. We describe an efficient, five-step synthesis of eudistomin U by employing two key reactions: a Bischler–Napieralski cyclization and a Suzuki cross coupling. We also describe the cytotoxicity of eudistomin U against various cancer cell lines and human pathogens, in which we observed potent antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria.