Recent advances in the total synthesis of type III post-Iboga alkaloids

The total synthesis of post-Iboga alkaloids poses formidable challenges. So far, three groups have produced notable advancements through their endeavor. Sunkyu Han's group employed a ring-opening functionalization approach to accomplish semi-synthesis. Fu-she Han's group developed an asymmetric Michael/aldol tandem reaction to construct the aza-[3.3.1] bridged skeleton. Namba's group reported a one-pot tandem cyclization strategy to rapidly assemble the pentacyclic core of (±)-tronocarpine. This review focuses on the synthetic advances made from 2019 onward toward type III post-Iboga alkaloids, highlighting key strategic elements and synthetic milestones, and aims to inspire future endeavors in the total synthesis of this unique family.