Modular total synthesis of lamellarin D

[Chemical reaction: see text] A modular total synthesis of lamellarin D, a marine alkaloid with potent cytotoxic as well as topoisomerase I inhibition properties, has been accomplished. A sequential and regioselective bromination/Suzuki cross-coupling procedure was applied for the introduction of aryl groups at positions 1 and 2 of scaffold 1. Microwave-assisted 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-p-benzoquinone (DDQ) oxidation to yield pyrroloisoquinoline 15, followed by phenol group deprotection and subsequent lactonization, gave lamellarin D (18% in eight steps from 1).