Synthetic studies on Ecteinascidin-743: synthesis of building blocks through Sharpless asymmetric dihydroxylation and aza-Michael reactions

A practical and an efficient synthesis of three building blocks of tetrahydroisoquinoline alkaloid Ecteinascidin-743 was accomplished, starting from readily available piperonal, 2-methyl anisole, and veratraldehyde. A combination of Vilsmeier–Haack reaction and Sharpless asymmetric dihydroxylation was employed for the synthesis of building blocks A and B whereas a Heck reaction in PEG-2000 and aza-Michael reactions were employed for the synthesis of building block C.