Synthesis of the stenine ring system from pyrrole

The skeleton of the stemona alkaloid, stenine, has been synthesized starting from pyrrole, employing an asymmetric organocatalyzed cyclization, Sonogashira coupling, a diastereoselective intramolecular propargylic Barbier reaction, cyclocarbonylation, and diastereoselective alkene reduction. Modulation of the electron-rich nature of the pyrrole nucleus by employing an α-trifluoroacetyl group is essential. The α-trifluoroacetyl group may be rapidly removed under carefully defined, mild conditions.