Total Synthesis of Indiacen A Using a Practical One-Pot Reaction: Promoted by a Key Waste Product, and Its Utility in Natural Products Synthesis

Abstract Trialkylammonium salt, recognized as a waste product in the Heck reaction, was found to act as a key catalyst in the practical one-pot Heck-dehydration reaction. A concise synthesis of indiacen A was accomplished in 92% overall yield using a protecting-group-free and redox-neutral strategy. In this synthesis, a novel one-pot reaction with high regio- and stereo-selectivity was developed and further application in the total synthesis of other natural products. This newly established method would be beneficial for the synthesis of other relevant natural products.