Ir-Catalyzed Asymmetric Total Synthesis of (−)-Communesin F

The first catalytic asymmetric total synthesis of the heptacyclic alkaloid (−)-communesin F is described. A key step features an iridium-catalyzed asymmetric intermolecular cascade cyclization, constructing the lower N,N-aminal-containing CDEF tetracyclic core in one step. Another notable element is the closure of final ring system (A ring) via a facile reduction of a twisted amide and concomitant cyclization activated by mesylation of N,O-hemiaminal intermediate.